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TRANSCRIPTS 


ORIGINAL   DOCUMEiNTS 


English  Archives 


RELATING  TO  THE   EARLY   HISTORY 


State  of  ?(ew  Hampshire. 


EDITED    BY 

JOHN   SCEIBNEE  JENNESS. 


New  York  : 
1876. 


NEW  YORK: 

WM.  J.  READ.  PKINTER,  UC  FILTOX  STREET. 

1876. 


^F 


37 

u 


Jb-^. 


PREFACE. 

The  ensuing  documents  were  transcribed,  under  the  Edi- 
tor's super^-ision,  during  the  summer  of  1874,  from  the  papers 
relating  to  the  early  histcjrj  of  New  Hampshire,  still  preserved 
among  the  English  Archives  at  London  ;  and  a  few  copies  are 
now  printed  for  the  use  of  historians  and  antiquaries,  in  the 
belief  that  they  shed  new  and  important  light  into  the  ob- 
scui'itj  of  our  early  annals. 

A  valuable  epitome  of  many  documents  relating  to  the 
Province  of  Maine,  derived  from  English  records,  was  printed 
several  years  ago  by  the  H<^n.  Geouge  Folsom  ;  and  large 
numbers  of  such  documents  relating  to  Massachusetts,  Con- 
necticut and  Ehode  Island  have  been  transcribed  and  pub- 
lished, from  time  to  time,  by  the  Historical  and  Antiquarian 
Societies  of  those  States.  Little  or  nothing  has  been  done, 
however,  in  this  way  on  behalf  of  New  Hampshire ;  and,  as  a 
consequence,  the  annals  of  her  first  ])lantation  still  remain  in 
confusion  and  obscurity. 

It  is  in  the  humble  hope  of  assisting  some  future  historian 
to  gather  the  true  story  of  "Mason's  Patent " — a  story  not  yet 
told — that  we  have  undergone  the  fatigue  and  expense  of 
searching  out  and  printing  the  followmg  documents,  illustrat- 
ing the  iirst  half  century  of  the  Piscataqua  settlements. 

The  Editor  cannot,  of  course,  claim  absolute  accuracy  in 
every  mi  nut  la  of  these  transcripts.  Those  who  have  engaged 
in  the  task  of  deciphering  the  faded  and  mouldy  manuscripts 
of  two  centuries  ago,  frankly  admit  the  frequent  difficulties 
of  making  out  the  words  employed,  or  even  the  meaning  in- 
tended  l)y    the   writer — a   difficulty   much   enhanced  by   the 


1 066853 


IV.  -  PREFACE. 

capricious  use,  in  those  days,  of  abbre^datiolls  and  capitals, 
by  the  lack  generally  of  any  attempt  at  punctuation,  and  by 
an  (H'tliogi-apliy  entirely  arbitrary.  We  have,  however,  used 
our  best  endeavors  to  avoid  errors  of  this  sort,  and  hope  that 
such  as  ma}-  be  detected  will  not  prove  of  much  importance. 

It  has  been  the  Editor's  aim  to  present  in  this  collection 
nothing  (with  one  or  two  exceptions)  which  has  been  fully 
and  accurately  published  elscAvhere  ;  and  it  is  believed,  that 
a  large  portion  of  the  papers  here  presented  have  been 
hitherto  unknown  to  the  students  of  our  early  history  and  will 
prove  of  substantial  value  and  interest. 

The  map,  an  etching  of  which  is  prefixed,  was  found  by 
the  Editor  in  the  British  Museum,  where  it  is  catalogued  as 
"Add.  Man**  N"  13970."  There  is  nothing  upon  it  to  indicate 
its  date  or  its  authorship,  but  it  seems  to  be  the  earliest  map 
extant  of  Maine  and  New  Hampshire,  unless  we  choose  to 
except  the  rude  sketch  of  William  Wood.  The  map  in  ques- 
tion must  have  been  drawn  after  1658  as  the  town  of  YorJce, 
incorporated  and  named  in  that  year,  is  wTitten  upon  it.  AH. 
the  other  names  upon  the  map  had  been  conferred  prior  to 
that  date.  The  absence  of  the  names  of  Portsmouth,  con- 
fen-ed  in  1653,  and  Scarborough  and  Falmouth,  incorj^orated 
in  1658,  would  indicate  that  the  map  was  drawn  not  long  after 
York  was  incorporated.  We  venture  to  assign  to  it  a  conjec- 
tural date  of  about  1655,  and  to  add  that  the  draughtsman 
may  possibly  have  been  Gov.  Edward  Godfi-e}-,  who  returned 
to  England  after  the  seizure  of  his  Province  of  Maine  by  the 
Massachusetts,  and  was  for  many  years  earnestly  engaged  in 
moving  the  Government  for  the  restoration  of  the  usurped 
Province.  His  letters,  within  piiblished,  give  some  counten- 
ance to  such  a  surmise,  in  the  absence  of  any  reliable  evi- 
dence on  the  subject. 

JOHN  S.  JENNESS. 

Neiv  York,  Feb.  1876. 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Petition  of  Walter  Neale,      ------  1 

Petition  of  Walter  Neale,             .             .             -            .             -  2 

Grant  of  Province  of  Laconia,          -----  3 

Petition  of  Walter  Neale,             .             .             -            .            -  7 

Grant  of  Pescataway,             -             .             -            -             -            -  8 

Minute  of  Grant  of  Paseataquack,          .             .            -             -  14 

Letter  from  Thomas  Wiggin  to  Sir  John  Cooke,  Secretary,  S:c.,  -  15 

Partial  partition  of  Pascattaway  among  the  Laconia  adventurers,  18 

Petition  of  Walter  Neale,       ------  19 

Allotment  of  Lands  l)y  Council  of  New  England  to  Captain  John 

Mason,       -------  20 

A  Relation  concerning  the  Estate  of  New  England,            -             -  21 

Answer  fo  Sir  Ferdinand  Gorges,           .             -            -            -  26 

Injunction  in  Court  of  Requests  in  the  action  Eyre  vs.  Gorges,  -  26 

Report  of  Sub-Committee  to  Privy  Council,     -            -             -  27 

Order  of  Privy  Council  thereon,       -----  29 

Bill  in  the  action,  Morton  vs,  PoweU,    -             -             -             -  30 

Letter  from  George  Burdett  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,     -  31 

Petition  of  Captain  Walter  Neale,          -             -             -             -  33 

Grant  by  Plymouth  Council  to  Captain  John  Mason,        -             -  34 

The  Dover  Combination,  with  all  /he  signatures  ajfixe'l,            -  36 

Joseph  Mason's  Protest  agst.  Leader,          -             -            -            -  38 

Letter  from  Gov.  Edward  Godfrey  to  Privy  Council,               -  39 

Petition  of  Jo.seph  Ma.son  to  Massachusetts,           -             -             -  40 

Petition  of  Edward  Godfrey,  and  others,  for  redress,  -            -  42 
Information  of  Edward  Godfx'ey  concerning  the  Piscataque  and 

Maine,               ..-.--.  43 


vi.  CONTENTH. 

Paob, 

Letter  from  Edward  Godfrey  to  Mr.  Povey,     -             -             -  45 

Letter  from  Samuel  Mavericke  to  Col.  Nichols,       -            -             -  46 

Petition  of  iulmbitiuts  of  Portsmouth  and  Strawberi-y  Bank,  48 
Petition  of  inhabitants  of  Portsmouth,  Dover,  &c.,  to  be  annexed 

to  Maine,  -------  50 

Letter  from  Nic.  Shapleigh  to  iMr.  Mason,              -             -             -  52 

^Ir.  ^Mason's  account  of  New  Hampshire,          .             .             -  53 

Statement  of  tlie  Title  of  Robert  Mason  to  New  Hampshire           -  54 

Letter  from  Ed.  Randolph  to  Sec   Coventry,                -             -  60 

Depositicms  of  Johnson  and  others.              -             -             -             -  62 

Account  of  New  Hampshire  by  Massachusets  agents,              -  64 

Petition  of  householders  of  Dover.  -             -             -             -             -  65 

Petition  of  inhabitants  of  Exeter,           .             .             -             -  07 

Petition  of  householders  of  Portsmoutli,     -             -             -             -  68 

Petition  of  inhabitants  of  Hampton,      -             -             -             -  69 

Petition  of  Robert  Mason  and  Fred.  Gorges,            -             -             -  71 

Account  of  Mass.  agents  concerning  their  Northern  bountls,  73 

Joselin's  account  of  Nova  Scotia  bounds,    .             -             -            -  7") 

Statement  of  Title  of  Rolx-rt  Mason  in  New  Hampshire,          -  75 

Letter  from  Robert  Mason,    ------  S'-i 

Abstract  of  Letters  from  Randolph,        .             -             -             .  84 

Petition  of  Robert  Mason,     ------  85 

Report  by  President  and  Council  of  New  Hampshire  to   Privy 

Council,      -------  87 

Letter  from  Richard  Chamberlain  to  William  Blathwait,    -             -  90 

Letter  from  Chamberlain  to  Privy  Council,       .             -             -  93 
Acconnt  from  President  and  ('ouncil  of  New   Hampshire  to  the 

King,           .----..  1)9 
Narrative  of  Proceedings  in  New  Hampshire  on  receijjt  of  Com- 

mi-ssion,             -             -            -             -             -             -             -  10  A 

Piitition  v.f  Robert  Mason  against  the  President  and  Council  of 

New  Hampshire,          ------  109 

Narrative  of  Proceedings  in  New  Hampshire  on  promulgating  tht* 

CommLssion  of  Edward  Cranfield,      -             -             -             -  113 


CONTENTS. 
Letter  from  Cranfield  to  the  Committee, 


Secretary  of  State, 
Committee,  &c.. 


Barefoot 
Cranfield 


Secretary  Jenkins, 

(( 

Committee, 
Secretary  Jenkins, 
Committee, 
An  aceov;nt  of  Ordnance,  &c.,  at  Great  Island, 


Vll. 

Page. 

119 
123 
128 
129 
132 
134 
136 
139 
141 
143 
145 
146 
150 
152 
155 
158 
159 
153 


PUBLIC   RECORDS. 


STATE  PAPERS— DOMESTIC  SEEIES.     Vol.  84,  N°  42. 

(1615.) 

To  the  Kings  most  excellent  Ma"^- 

The  liunible  peticon  of  Walter  Neale,  Captaine  of  the  Com- 
pany of  the  ArtiUary  garden  in  London. 

AVhereas  your  Ma'-^  humble  Peticoner  was  heretofore  an 
humble  suitor  for  the  Muster  Maisters  place  of  the  Citty  of 
London,  lAit  your  Ma'""  was  not  then  pleased  to  thinke  it 
necessary  to  apjioint  any  such  oificer,  yet  since  your  Ma*'^  ta- 
king it  further  into  consideracon,  hath  reccomended  Ca])taine 
ffisher  to  the  Citty  for  the  same  place. 

Now-in  regard  your  most  humble  peticoner  hath  with  greate 
expence  of  money  and  Continuall  travaile  effectually  reunited 
and  established  the  Company  of  the  ArtiUary  garden  in  Lon- 
don and  hath  brought  it  to  a  gieater  perfection  then  at  any 
tyme  it  hath  l)een  heretofore  :  Alsoe  in  regard  of  the  neces- 
sary relation  and  de])endanc'ie  of  the  Muster  Maisters  jjlace 
and  the  Captaine  of  the  said  Company  the  one  with  tht*  other 


2  EARLY    DOCUMENTS 

the  said  Captaiue  being  boniul  to  a  Ooutiimall  attendance  and 
labour  exercising  the  jnincipall  C'ittizen  of  London  in  martiall 
descipline  Avliereby  the  forces  of  the  C'itty  are  alwayes  furnisli- 
ed  with  abk'  Comauders  out  of  the  said  Company  and  the 
private  Souklers  enabled  and  made  ready  against  the  generall 
Musters  for  which  travaile  youre  Ma'*'  humble  Peticoner  hath 
onely  the  smale  allowance  of  ffifty  Pounds  p  auum  and  is  now 
therefore  for  want  of  Competent  meanes  Driven  to  greate  ex- 
tremitie  and  not  longable  to  sul>sist  without  your  gratious 
favour  extended  to  him. 

May  your  Ma'**'  be  now  therefore  gi'aceously  pleased  to  take 
into  your  royall  Consideracon  the  just  pretences  of  your 
humble  peticoner  to  the  said  Muster  Maisters  place  or  to 
referr  the  examinacon  thereof  to  the  Lords  of  your  Ma*y  most 
hono^^*^  privie  Councell. 

And  yo*'  peticoner  as  in  humble  duty  bound  shall  ever  dayly 
pray  for  your  Ma'-^'  long  life  &  eternal  felicity. 

(Endorsed  in  pencil.)     1615. 


STATE  PAPEKS— DOMESTIC  SERIES.   Vol.  136,  N-  43. 

(Car.  1,  1628-9). 

To  the  right  hono'^^*"  his  Ma*-^  Councell  of  Warre. 

The  humble  Petition  of  Cap*  Walter  Neale. 

"Whereas  yo''  Lop^  humble  Petitioner  hath  been  a  Soldier 
these  thirteene  yeares,  and  hath  never  had  any  other  profes- 
sion but  his  sworde,  nor  other  fortunes  than  the  warre  :  hath 
been  an  Officer  in  his  Ma'^  service  five  yeares  both  in  the 
expedicon  w"'  Count  Mannsfelt,  and  in  severall  expeditions 
since  ;  served  in  the  He  of  Re  many  weekes  a  voluntary  v,-^^ 
out  receaving  paye,  and  w^as  so  long  a  Petitioner  for  his 
money  due  for  Count  Mansfelt  service  as  onely  in  that  occa- 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  3 

sioii,  hoe  spent  all  the  money  his  freinds  would  spare  him  and 
brought  himself  much  indebted  and  is  not  vet  free :  ffor 
his  latter  services  ;  there  is  onely  due  unto  him  the  somme  of 
Bfi"  12*  or  there  abouts  ftor  w'''  pay  how  Avell  hee  liath  em- 
deav(uired  to  deserve,  both  in  the  lie  of  Re,  heere  m  England, 
and  in  the  last  journey  to  Rochell,  hee  referres  himself  to  the 
aj^probation  of  the  cheife  Commanders  of  the  Army. 

Hee  most  humbly  therefore  prayoth  yo'"  Lop"  to  give  Such 
Order  that  yo^'  humble  Petitioner  may  receave  Some  Speedy 
satisfaction,  his  debts  being  clamorous  and  his  wants  unsup- 
portable,  and  according  to  his  dutie  hee  shall  ever  remayne 
an  obedient  servaunt  to  your  Lop"  Commands. 

(In  another  handwTiting.) 

Capten  Mason  is  required,  l)y  theire  Lop"*  to  cast  up  the 
Accompts  of  the  petitioners  arreares,  for  the  Services  to  ye 
Isle  of  Retz,  and  releefe  of  Rochell,  and  to  certifie  how  much 
thereof,  is  due  only  for  Actuall  Service  abroad. 

(Endorsed.)     Walter  Neale,  Cap.  Rec.  26  ffebr  1628.     De- 
sireth  his  Arrears. 


COLONIAL  ENTRY  BOOK.     Vol.  59,  pp   115  121. 

(1629,  Xovniihvr  17.) 

The   (Irant    of   the   Province    of   Laconia    to    S'"  Ferdinando 
Gorges  and  Capt*  Jn°  Mason,  17"^  Nov--  1629. 

This  Indenture  made  y''  Seaventeenth  day  of  November 
Ano  l)(mii  1629.  5"'  of  (Charles  Between  y"  President  <fe  Coun- 
cell  of  New  England  on  y'  one  partie  S<  S""  fferdinando  Gorges 
of  London  Knt  k  Cap*  John  Mascni  of  London  Esq''  on  v'' 
other  partie  Wittessetli  y*  whereas  King  James  for  y*'  making 
of  a  plantacon  and  establishing  of  a  Colony  or  Colonys  in 
y"  Country  called  or  known  by  y'^  name  of  New  England  in 


4  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

Ainprickii  did  hy  letters  i^attents  boarine;  date  S""'*  November 
18"'  of  his  reif^n  ^raiit  unto  y''  right  hou'"'''  Lodowick  Dvike  of 
Lenox  George  marques  of  Buckingham  James  Lord  Marqu<^s 
of  Hamilton  Thtmias  Earle  of  Arundel  Robei-t  Earle  of  War- 
wick S""  Ferdinando  (lorges  Knt  S:  divers  others  whose  names 
are  expresseil  in  the  said  letters  pattents  their  heires  and 
assigness  and  that  thev  shall  be  known  by  the  name  of  the 
President  A:  Councell  established  at  Plymouth  for  planting  A'c 
of  New  England  in  America  Did  grant  unto  the  President  & 
Councell  &  their  Successors  All  that  part  and  porcon  of  yt 
Countrev  now  comonly  called  New  England  <kc  Arc  to  have 
and  possess  the  same  to  them  their  successors  for  ever  to  be 
holden  of  his  majesties  manor  of  East  Greenwich  in  y''  County 
of  Kent  in  free  and  comon  soccage  cV:  not  in  Capite  or  by 
Knights  service  Yeelding  and  ])ayiug  to  his  Majesty  the  5"' 
part  of  all  gold  <t  silver  oare  that  ma}'  be  obtained  fi-om  the 
same. 

Now  this  Indenture  wittnesseth  y*  y''  sd  president  tt  Coun- 
cell of  their  full  free  cV:  mutuall  consent  as  well  to  y*"  end  y'  all 
V''  lands  woodes  lakes  hjucks  rivers  watters  Islands  &  fishings 
with  all  other  y*-  traficques  proffits  tt  comodityes  whatsoever 
to  them  or  any  of  them  belonging  and  hereafter  in  these  p"'" 
menconed  may  be  Avlioly  A'  intirely  invested  appropriated 
severed  &  settled  in  tV:  upon  y*"  s'^  S^'  ti'erdinando  Gorges  & 
Cap*  John  Mason  there  heires  <fec  for  ever,  for  the  advan- 
cem'  of  y**  sd  plantation  and  other  good  and  Sufficient  causes 
(fe  considerations  them  especially  thereunto  moveing  have 
granted  &c  unto  y"  sd  S'  ilerdinando  Gorges  and  Capt  John 
Mason  their  heirs  <V:  assignes  &  to  their  Associates  A'  such  as 
they  shall  alow  of  A-  take  in  to  adventure  Ar  joine  w"'  them  in 
their  plantacons  traficques  &  disco  very  es  in  y*^  parts  heereafter 
expressed  and  their  heirs  and  assignes  according  to  t-ontracts 
w^  them  to  be  made  All  those  lands  <t  Countrys  lying  adja- 
cent or  bordering  upon  the  great  lake  or  lakes  or  rivers  com- 
monly called  or  knowen  by  y"  name  of  y"  river  S:  lake  or  rivers 
A:  lakes  of  y"  Irrociu<.)is  a  nation  or  nations  of  salvage  people 
inhabiting  up  into  y''  landwards  l)etwixt  y""  lines  of  west  & 
North  west  conceived  to  passe  or  lead  upwards  from  y®  rivers 
of  Sagadahock  A:  Merrimack  in  y^  Country  of  New  England 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  D 

afores''  Together  also  av*^  y''  lakes  A'  rivers  of  y"  Irrotpois  A" 
other  nations  adjoyning  y*"  midle  part  of  w'"''  lakes  is  scittuate 
&  lying  neeral.out  ye  latitude  of  fourty  fonr  or  fourty  five  de- 
grees reckon'd  from  ye  Equinoctial  line  Northwards  as  alsoe 
all  ye  lands  soyls  tt  gi'ounds  w"'  in  tenn  miles  of  any  part  of  ye 
said  lakes  or  rivers  on  y*"  South  or  East  part  thereof  &,  from 
ye  ^-^j^t  gji^d  ^)y  siJes  of  ye  sd  lakes  S:  rivers  soe  farre  forth  to 
ye  west  as  shall  extend  halfway  into  y*"  next  great  lake  to  ye 
Westwards  A-  from  thence  Northwards  unto  ye  North  side  of 
y*"  maine  river  w'^^'  iimeth  from  y*"  gTeat  A  vast  Wesl^rne  lakes 
<fc  falleth  unto  y''  river  of  Canada,  including  all  y*'  Islands  w'^ 
in  ye  precinct  or  perambulacon  described  As  alsoe  all  y*"  lands 
sole  grounds  havens  ports  rivers  mines  miueralls  pearls  <t 
pretious  Stones  woods  Quarrjs  marshes  watters  fishings  hunt- 
ing hawing  fowling  trade  A-  traficque  w'^  y*"  Salvages  &  other 
comodityes  A'  hereditam*''  w^sover  w'^  all  A'  singular  their  ap- 
purtences  together  w*'^  all  prerogatives  rights  royaltys  Juris- 
dicons  pri\iledges  franchises  preheminences  libertyes  Marine 
power  in  A'  upon  y^  sd  rivers  A;  lakes  As  alsoe  all  escheats  A 
(iasualtys  therof  as  flots(m  Jetson  A  lagon  w"'  anchorag's  A' 
other  such  dutys  imunityes  '■■  "  "  A  ajjpurtences  w*so- 
ever  w"'  all  ye  Estate  right  title  interest  claime  A'  demand 
w*soever  w'''  ye  sd  President  A  C'Ouncell  A  their  Successors  of 
right  ought  to  have  or  claime  in  or  to  y"  sd  porcous  of  lands 
rivers  A"^^  lakes  A:  other  y*"  premises  as  is  afores''  b3'  reason  or 
force  of  his  Highness  sd  letters  patteuts  in  as  free  large  ample 
A  beneficiall  mauer  to  all  intents  constructions  A;  purposes 
wt.soever  as  in  A'  by  y**  sd  letters  patents  y*"  same  are  amongst 
other  things  granted  to  y®  sd  ])resident  A'  Councell  aforsd 
Except  two  fifths  of  ye  oare  of  (Tt)ld  A'  Silver  in  these  puts 
hereafter  expressed  w''^'  sd  porcons  of  lands  rivers  A'  lakes  av^'' 
ye  appurtenances  ye  sd  S'"  fterdinando  Gorges  A:  Cap*  John 
Mas(m  v,-^^  ye  consent  of  ye  President  A  Councell  intend  to 
name  ye  ProA-ince  of  Laconia.  To  have  A:  to  hold  all  the  sd 
porcons  of  land  A'c  Ac.  unto  ye  sd  S""  fferdinando  Gorges  A 
C'ap*  John  Mason  their  lieires  Ac  for  ever.  To  be  holden  of 
the  Manor  of  East  Greenwich  in  ye  County  of  Kent  in  free  & 
comon  soccoge  A:  not  in  capite  oi'  by  Knights  service.  Never- 
thelesse  w"'  such  exceptions  reservations  limitations  A  decla- 


fi  KAltLY   DOCUMENTS 

liitions  as  in  tht'  sd  letters  Pattoiits  are  at  large  expressed 
Yeelding  ct  paying  nnto  the  King  his  heirs  <fc  successors  3'e 
fifth  part  of  all  ye  Oare  of  Gold  &  Silver  that  shall  be  gotten 
from  the  same,  <tc       *  *  *  *  *  '"^ 

Aiid  y*-'  sd  President  &  Couneill  for  themselves  <t  their  Suc- 
cessors doe  further  covenant  S:  grant  to  A:  \v*^  ye  sd  S'"  fferdi- 
nando  Gorges  <t  Cap'  John  Mason  their  lieires  <fe  assignes  ct 
associates  &  by  those  pnts  y*  it  shall  <t  may  be  lawfull  at  all 
times  hei-tafter  to  S:  for  ye  sd  S""  Ferdiuando  Gorges  and 
Cap'  John  Mason  their  Heii'es  S:  assignes  S:  their  associates 
S:  \^  Deputyes  factors  servants  &  tenants  of  them  or  any  of 
them  to  have  free  Egress  way  ct  passage  to  enter  &  pass  into 
A:  roturne  from  A:  to  any  of  y^  sd  demised  lands  lakes  &:  rivers 
w'"  their  Shipps  boates  barkes  or  other  Yessells  w"'  their 
munition  &  their  Cattle  and  commodityes  of  w'  nature  soever 
from  In'  <S:  through  any  of  ye  lands  rivers  harbours  creeks  or 
Sea  Ports  upou  y^  Sea  Coasts  or  fi-onteer  parts  of  New  Eng- 
land afores'^  l)elonging  to  y®  President  &  Couucell  afores'^  w''^ 
out  an}'  lett  troulile  interrupcon  molestacou  or  hinderance  of 
them  y*"  sd  President  &  Couneill  their  successors  or  assig- 
nes or  of  any  other  person  or  persons  claiming  under  them 
or  by  their  means  or  procurem'-  And  for  y®  better  aecomo- 
dacon  of  them  y®  sd  S"^  Ferdinand©  Gorges  <fe  Cap'  John 
Mason  ther  heires  assignes  &  associates  in  their  intended  trafi- 
ques  «t  plantacons  above  in  y*^  sd  lakes  of  y''  Irrequois  whither 
their  goods  <t  marchandizes  from  y**  sea  ports  are  to  be  after 
landing  transported  it  slialbe  lawfull  fen-  y"^  to  make  clioise  of 
tt  take  and  possess  for  the  use  of  y'^y  sd  S""  Ferdinando  Gorges 
<fc  Cap'  John  Mason  their  heires  assignes  &  associates  and 
their  Deputyes  ffactors  tennants  &:  planters  of  their  Colony es  in 
any  of  y''  ports  harbours  or  Creeks  in  New  England  lying 
most  comodions  for  their  passage  up  into  ye  sd  Lakes  One 
thousand  acres  of  land  upon  ye  side  or  sides  of  such  harbors 
ports  rivers  or  Creekes  where  ye  same  is  not  yet  disposed  of 
to  anv  other  persons  by  ye  sd  President  S:  Couneill  &  ye  sd 
lands  V)y  y'"  shalbe  holden  possessed  &  enjoyed  as  freely  Sc 
with  as  ample  priviledges  Jurisdicons  &  comodetyes  in  all 
respects  as  any  other  y'  lands  al)ove  in  these  pnts  demised  <fe 


RELATING    TO    NEW    HA.MPSHIRE.  7 

granted  unto  them  &  further  knowe  yee  y'  ye  sd  President 
&  Councill  have  made  constituted  deputed  authorized  &  ap- 
pointed t*i:  in  tlieir  phice  &  stead  doe  put  Edw:  Godfrey  or  in 
his  absence  to  any  other  person  y*  shalbe  there  Govenio*"  or 
other  Officer  to  y"  President  &  Councell  to  be  their  true  & 
lawfiill  Attorney  &  in  their  name  and  stead  to  enter  y«  sd 
porcou  of  Land  k  other  premises  w"'  there  appurtences  or  unto 
some  part  tliereof  in  name  of  y*"  whole  and  dehver  possession 
<fec,     Signed,  sealed  A:c.  the  day  and  year  above  written. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPEES.     Vol.  G.     No.  24. 

{ About  Axyii.sf,  1631.) 

To  the  Kings  most  excellent  Ma*'®- 

The  humble  Peticon  of  Captein  Walter  Neale. 

Whereas  for  the  securing  the  CoUonies  in  Virginia,  against 
the  Invasions  of  a  foi-rein  enemie,  and  the  barbarous  incur- 
sions of  the  Natives  there  hath  been  constituted  heretofore  an 
experionented  Soldier  w*^  the  title  of  Marshall  :  to  whose  per- 
ticuler  care  the  Governor  and  Councell  in  Virginia  (as  theire 
Assistant)  coniitted  the  chardge  of  martiall  afi'aires.  Not- 
w^^standuig  of  late  (though  these  times  now  do  more  require 
it  then  heretofore)  there  hath  been  none  appointed  to  execute 
that  place. 

May  yo""  Ma**''  bee  now  pleased  in  reguard  yo*'  Ma***  humble 
Peticoner  hath  followed  the  Warres  these  many  yeares  and 
been  employed  in  all  yo""  Ma***  Ser^dces,  and  hath  an  extraor- 
dinarie  Zeale  and  afl'ection  to  that  plantation,  where  hee  pre- 
sumes to  do  yo""  Ma*"'  acceptable  service  to  conferre  uppon 
yo""  Ma**  humble  Peticoner  the  aforesaid  place  of  Marshal  in 
Virginia  :  for  executing  whereof  hee  humbly  craves  the  allow- 
ance of  twentie  shillings  per  diem  (av'''  is  in  proporticm  farre 


8  EAltLV    Docr.MKNTS 

inferimir  to  tli.it  w''  liatli  bocn  foniierly  allowed  to  others)  out 
of  the  Custoiiies  iiiisiiijj;  from  the  eoiuodities  of  that  Couiitrie 
whereby  hee  may  bee  enabled  iu  your  Ma'"*  ser\T[ce  and  have 
meanes  to  plant  there  some  people  of  his  owne.  Aud  though 
as  a  Soldier  hee  dares  not  pleade  merrett  before  others,  yet 
hee  presumes  to  referre  himself  to  the  approbation  of  the 
Cheife  Comaunders  of  yo'"  Ma***  late  Army.  And  according 
to  his  loyaltie.    &c. 

(Endorsed)     Virginia   Without  Date 
(In  pencil)     ab  *  Aug.  1631 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPEES.     Vol.  6.    No.  28. 
(1631,  Ar>ve)iiJ)er  3.) 

Grant   and   Confirmation   of  PescataAvay  to   S'-  Ferdinando 
Gorges  and  Cap*-  Mason  and  others,  Ano  1631. 

This  Indenture  made  the  3'^  day  of  Novem'"  An°  Dni  163  L : 
and  in  y^  7^  year  of  y"  Eeigiie  of  Our  Sovraigne  Charles  by  the 
Grace  of  God  of  England  Scotland  France  and  Ireland  King 
Defender  of  the  fifaith  Arc.  Betweene  the  Presid'  S:  Councill 
of  New  England  on  y*"  one  pt}-  and  S''  Ferdinando  Gorges 
Kn'  Cap'  John  Mason  of  London  Esq""  and  their  Associates 
John  Cotton  Henry  Gardner,  Geo  :  Griffith  Ehwiu  Guy  Thomas 
Wannerton  Thomas  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyre  on  y''  other  pty 
Witnesseth  That  whereas  our  late  Soueraigne  Lord  of  famous 
memory  King  James  tor  the  makeing  of  a  Plantacon  and 
establishing  of  a  Colonie  or  Colonies  in  }•"  (countries  called 
or  know)ie  l)y  the  name  of  New  England  in  Ainerica,  Did  by 
his  Highnesses  Lres  Patents  under  the  Great  Seale  of  England, 
bearing  date  at  Westm'"  y*'  3'^  day  of  Nou'"  1620  give  grant  aud 
confirme  unto  the  R'  Hon''''  Lodwicke  Duke  of  Lenox.  Geo : 
Marques  of  Buckingham,  James  L''  Merques  of  Hamilton 
Thomas  Earle  of  Ai'undale  Robert  Earle  of  Warwicke  S''  Fer- 


RELATIN(i    J'O    NP:W    HAMPSHIRK.  i) 

(liiiaiido  Goi-fj^es  Knt.  and  diuerse  others  whose  names  are 
expressed  in  the  s'^  Lres.  Pat.  their  Heires  and  Assif^nes,  that 
tliey  shalbe  one  body  Politique,  and  Corporate  perpetuall,  and 
that  theyshouhl  hane  j)erpetnall  Succession,  and  one  coniinoil 
Seale  (^r  Seah's,  to  serve  for  the  said  Body,  And  that  they  and 
tlieir  Successors  shall )e  known,  called  and  incorporated  by 
ye  name  of  the  ])resid*  and  Council!  established  at  Ply m"  for 
the  planting  ruling  and  gouerning  of  New  England  in  America, 
and  did  of  his  especiall  Grace,  certaine  Knowledge,  and  mere 
Mocon  for  him  his  Heires  and  Success'""  giue  grant,  and 
contirme  unto  the  s'^  Presid*  and  Couucill  and  their  Suc- 
cess'"'' under  y®  Reseruacons,  Limitacons  and  Declaracoiis  in 
the  s'^  Lres  Pat  expressed  All  that  part  and  porcon  of  y*  Goun- 
trie  no  \  commonly  called  New  England  av'''  is  situate,  lying, 
and  being  betweeue  ye  latitude  of  40  dge  and  48  of  North  ""ly 
latitude,  Togeather  w"'  y''  Seas  and  Islands  Mug  w*''in  100 
miles  of  any  pai-t  of  y*"  sd  Coasts  of  ye  Countrie  af ores''  And 
also  all  y'  Lands,  Soyles,  Grounds,  Haueus,  Ports,  Riuers, 
Mines,  as  well  Roy"  Mines  of  Gold  and  Siluer  as  other  Mines 
Minealls  Pearls  and  precious  stones,  AA  oods  Quarries  Marshes, 
Waters  ffishings  Hunting,  Hawking,  Ifowling,  Ccunmodities 
and  Hereditam**  w*  soever,  together  w"' Prerogatiues  Juris- 
dicons,  Royallties,  Priuiledges,  tfranchises,  and  Preheminence 
w^'^in  any  of  the  s'^  Territories  and  ye  precincts  thereof  w*soeuer. 
To  haue  hold  possesse  and  enjoy  all  and  singular  the  said 
Lands  and  j^^'emisses  in  y*'  s'^Ltres  Pat.  granted  or  menconed 
to  be  granted  unto  them  y''  s''  Presid'  and  Councill  tlieir 
Successors  and  assign  foreuer  To  be  holden  of  his  Ma"''  his 
heires  and  Successors  as  of  his  H*"**^  owne  Man'"  of  East 
Gveenw'''  in  the  C^ountie  of  Kent,  in  free  and  Comnum  Soccage 
and  not  in  Capite  or  by  Knights  Seruice  Yeilding  and  paying 
to  the  Kings  Ma*'*"  his  Heires  and  Success""  the  One  5"'  ''*  of 
all  y'"  Gold  and  Siluer  Gar  that  from  time  to  time  and  at  all 
times  from  y^  date  of  the  s'^Lres  Pat.  shalbe  there  gotten  had 
or  obtained  for  all  Services  duties  or  Denumds  as  in  and  by 
his  H'*''  Lres.  Pat  :  amongst  divers  other  things  therein  con- 
teined  more  full}'  and  large  it  doth  and  may  appeare,  And 
whereas  the  s'' Pn^sid'  and  Councill  haue  u])on  mature  delibe- 
racon  thought  titt  for  the  better  furnisliing  and  furtherance  of 


10  EARLY   DdCUMENTS 

y'"  Plantacoii  in  these  parts  to  appropriate  ami  allott  to  seve- 
rall  pticular  psous  diverse  pcells  of  Laud  w'^'^in  the  prcincts  of 
the  afores'^  granted  ))rmises  by  his  Ma**  s'*  Lres  Pat.  Now 
this  Indenture  Wittnesseth  that  the  s'^Presid*  and  Councill  t)f 
their  full  free  and  niutuall  consent,  as  well  to  y*"  end  that  all 
the  Lauds  Woods  Lakes  Loucks.  Rivers,  Waters,  ponds  Islands 
and  Fishings,  w**"  all  other  Traffique  Prottits  and  C'Ommodities 
whatsoeuer  to  them  or  any  of  them  belonging,  aud  hereafter 
in  these  Puts  menconed  may  be  wholly  and  entirely  invested 
appropriated  secured  and  settled  in  and  upon  y*'  sd  S'"  fiardi- 
nando  Gorges,  Cap*  John  Mason  and  their  Associates,  Jolni 
Cotton,  Henry  Gardner,  George  Griffith,  Edwyn  Guy,  Thomas 
Wannertou  Thorn  Epie,  &  Ehezer  Eyre  as  by  diners  speciall 
SeiTices  b}-  them  already  done  for  the  aduancement  of  the 
s'*  Plantacon  by  makeing  of  Clap  board  and  pipestaues  make- 
ing  of  Salt  panns  and  Salt,  transporting  of  Vines  for  makeing 
of  Wines  searching  for  Iron  Oare  being  all  busuiesse  of  uery 
great  Consequence  for  causeing  of  man}'  Soules  both  men, 
women  and  boys  and  store  of  Shipps  to  he  employed  thither, 
and  so  in  short  time  proue  a  great  Nursery  for  Shipping  and 
Mariners,  and  also  a  great  helpe  to  such  as  in  this  Kingdome 
want  good  Imploym*  And  further  for  Y'  the  s'^  S'"  fferd  Gorges 
Capt,  John  Mason  and  their  said  Associates  John  Cotton 
Henry  Gardiner  Geo.  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Thorn  :  Wannerton 
Tho  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyer  have  by  their  Agents  there  taken 
great  paines  and  spent  much  tyme  in  the  discouery  of  the 
Countrie  all  w'*^  hath  cost  them  (as  we  are  credibly  Informed) 
30001b  and  upwards,  Avhich  hitherto  they  are  whoUy  out  of 
purse  upon  hope  of  doing  good  m  time  to  come  to  y"  publique, 
And  also  for  other  good  and  sufficient  Causes  and  Considera- 
cons  the  sd  Presid*  and  Councill  especially  thereunto  moueing, 
Haue  given  granted  bargained  sold  assigned  aliend,  sett  oner 
enfeoffed  and  confirmed  and  by  these  p"***  Do  gine  grant, 
bargaiue  sell  assigne,  aliens  sett  ouer  enfeoffe  and  confirme 
unto  the  s'^  fferdinando  Georges  Cap*  John  Mason  John  Cotton 
Henr  Gardner  Geo  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Thorn.  Wannerton 
Thoni.  Eyere  and  Ehezer  Eyre,  their  Heirs  and  Assignes  for 
euer  All  that  house  and  clieife  habitacon  situate  and  being  at 
Pascataway  als  Pascataquack  als  Pascaqnaeke  in  New  England 


IIELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  11 

aforesaid,  wherein  Ca])'  Walt.  Neale  and  y*^  Colony  w*''  him 
jiow  doth  or  lately  did  reside  togeather  w*^  the  Gardens  and 
Conie  gronnd  oecni)ied  and  planted  by  the  s'^  Colonic,  and  the 
Salt  workes  ahready  l)egun  as  afores'^  And  also  all  that 
porcon  of  Laud  lying  w'^n  the  precincts  hereafter  nienconed, 
beginning  upf)n  the  Sea  coast  5  miles  to  the  W '  ward  of  or 
from  the  s'^  cheife  Habitacon  or  Plantation  now  possessed  by 
the  s''  Cap*  Walter  Neale  for  y*"  use  of  the  Adventurers  to 
Liconia  (being  in  the  latitude  of  43  Degr  or  thereabouts  in  the 
Harbour  of  Pascataquack  als  Pascataquack  als  Passataway, 
and  so  forth  fi'om  y''  s''  beginning  Eastw'^  ct  North  Eastw"*  and 
so  proceeding  North w'^^  or  North  Westw'^^  into  y*^  Harbour 
and  Riuer  along  the  Coasts  and  Shoares  thei'eof  including  all 
the  Islands  and  Isletes  Ij'ing  w*'^in  or  neere  unto  the  same 
upwards  unto  the  head  land  opposite  unto  the  plantacon  or 
Hal)itacon  now  or  late  in  the  Tenure  or  Occupation  of 
Edw'^  Hilton  &  from  thence  w*  w'^*  6:  South  w^  w''*"  in  y^  midle 
of  the  Riuer  and  through  the  midle  of  y*^  Bay  or  Lake  of 
Pasquacack  als  Pascaquack  or  by  Avhat  other  name  or  names 
it  hath  toward  the  bottome  or  Westermost  part  of  ye  Kiuer 
called  Pascassocke  to  the  falls  thereof,  and  fi'om  thence  by  an 
Imaginary  Line  to  pass  ouer,  and  to  the  Sea,  where  the 
P'ambulacon  begann  Togeather  w**^  aU  y^  Lands,  Soyle, 
(xround  Wood,  Quan-ies,  Mines  ffishing  Hunting  Hawking 
ffowling  Comodities  and  Hereditam'®  whatsoeuer,  Togeather 
also  w"'  all  p^'rogatiues,  Jurisdiccons  Koyallties,  priuileidges, 
ftVanchises  and  i^reheminence  w*'*  in  y**  precincts  of  Land 
conteined  w'^'in  y''  hunts  or  bounds  aforesaid.  And  also  the 
Isles  of  Shoales,  aud  y''  flashings  thereabouts  And  all  the  Seas 
w'''in  15  miles  of  thaforesd  Sea  Coast.  And  also  all  the  Sea 
Coast  and  Laud  lying  on  y^  East  and  North  east  side  of  the 
Harboure  and  Kiuer  of  Pascataway  aforesd  aud  opposite  to 
tlic  bounds  aboue  nieucioned  begiuiug  15  miles  to  y""  S.  east- 
ward of  y*"  Mouth  or  first  entrance  and  begiuiug  of  the  said 
Harboure,  aud  so  u])p  to  y*'  falls  and  into  the  pouds,  or  Lakes 
that  feed  the  s'^  ffalls,  hy  the  space  of  30  miles  including  the 
the  s''  pouds  or  Lakes  and  the  Shoores  thereof,  and  so  crossing 
into  the  Landward,  at  a  right  angle  by  the  space  of  3  miles 
the  Avhole  length  thereof  fi'oui  y'^  s'^  mouth  or  first  entrance 


12  EARLY    DOCUMENTS 

from  the  Sen  and  Eashvds  into  y'' Sea  w'**  s'M3  miles  slialbe 
allowed  for  y'*  breadth  of  ye  sd  land  last  menconed  both  upon 
y  land  and  sea,  As  also  all  ye  land  Soyle  Ground  Woods, 
Quarrie,  Mines,  ffisliinfjjs  Hunting  Hawking  flfonling  Com- 
modities and  Hereditam^^  whatsoeuer,  togeather  w^*^  all  pre- 
rogatiues  Jurisdiceons  Koyallties,  Priuileidges,  ffranchises  and 
]>'heminence  w*''in  the  p^'cinets  of  Land  last  menconed,  eon- 
teined  To  haue  and  to  hold  all  y'"  s''  Hduse  and  Habitacon 
porcons  of  Land  and  ull  Lakes  and  Islands  therein  contained 
as  aforesaid,  and  all  and  singular  other  yp^' misses  hereby 
ijiyen,  granted,  bargained,  sold,  aliened,  enfeoli'ed,  and  con- 
firmed,  \v*''  all  and  singular  the  appurtences  and  cuery  ])art 
and  ]X'ell  thereof  unto  y''  s''  S'"  fterdenando  (lorges,  Cap'  John 
Mas(m,  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardner  Geo.  Grittith,  Edwyn 
Guy,  Thomas  Wannerton,  Thomas  Eyre  and  Elyezer  Eyer  to 
y''  onl}'  use  iV:  behoof e  of  them  y*"  s'^  fterd.  Gorges  A'C  their 
Heires  and  Ass.  iov  euer.  Yeilding  and  paying  unto  our 
Souer  L'^  y''  King  his  Heires  and  Successors  4  of  all  y*^  Oare  of 
Gold  and  Siluer  tliat  from  time  to  time  and  at  all  tymes 
hereafter  shalbe  there  gotten,  had  A'  obteined  for  all  seruices, 
duties  and  Comands,  and  also  yeilding  cVr  paying  unto  the 
^a  Piesid*  Councill  and  their  Successe'''  euery  yeere  yeerely 
for  euer  -iOs  sterl.  at  y''  ft'east  of  S*  Mich :  tharchangell  if  it 
shalbe  lawfully  demanded,  at  the  Assurance  House  on  the 
AYest  side  of  the  Eoy"  Exchange  in  L(mdon.  And  the  s'' 
Presd*  Ar  Councill  for  them  tt  their  Success''^  do  Coueuant  and 
Grant  to  and  w*^  y''  s''  S''  fierdin  :  Gorges  Capt  John  Mason 
and  their  said  Associates  John  Cotton  Heur.  Gardner  Geo. 
Griffith  Edwyn  Guy  Thorn  Wannerton,  Thom  Eyer  Eliezer 
Eyre  their  Heires  A:  Assignes  by  these  prets,  that  from 
thenseaUng  and  deliuery  hereof  according  to  y''  purport  true 
intent  and  meaning  of  these  pre*"  they  the  s'^  S''  Ferdinan 
Gorges,  Capt.  John  Mason  and  their  s''  Associates  John 
Cotton  Henry  Gardner  Geo  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Thom.  AVau- 
nerton  Thom  Eyer  and  Ehezer  Eyre,  their  Heires  and 
Assignes  shall  from  tyme  to  tyme  for  euer  })eacably  and 
quietly  haue  hold  i^ossesse  and  enjoy  all  thaforesd  House 
and  ('heife  Habertacon  ]iorcons  of  Lands  w"^  all  y''  Islands 
and  P'' misses  w*"^  thappurtences   herel)y  before   giuen    and 


KELATEsG    TO   NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  13 

granted  or  iiieiieoned,  meant  or  intended  to  bo  hereby  ginen 
and  granted,  and  euery  part  and  parcell  thereof  w'^'out  any 
Lett,  disturba:r.'e,  denyall  trouble  interrupeon  or  euiccon  of 
or  by  y"  s'^  President    and  Oouncill   or    any  psou  or  psons 
whatsoeuer  clayming  by  from  or  nuder  them  or  their  Suc- 
cessors or  by  or  rmder  their  Estate  Right  Title  or  Interest. 
And  the  s<^  Presid*  and  Councill  fwr  them  and  their  Successors 
do  fui-ther  Couenant   and  grant  to   and  w*^  y"  sd  S''  fierd  : 
Goiges  Oapt  John  Mason,  and  their  Associates  John  Cotton, 
Henry  Gardner  Geo  Griffith  Edwyn  Guy,  Tho  Wannerton 
Thorn  :  Eyre  and  Eliezer  Eyre  their  Heires  and  Ass  l)y  these 
prets  That  they  the  s'^  Presid*  and  Councill  shall  at  all  times 
<t  times  hereafter  upon  reasonable  request  at  the  onh*  proper 
Cost  and  Charges   in  the  Law  of  the   sd  S'"  fferden  Gorges 
Cap*  John  Mason,  and  their  s'^  Associates  John  Cotton,  Henry 
Gardner,  Geo  Griffith  Edwin  Guy  Tho  Wannerton  Tho  Eyre, 
and  Eliezer  Eyre  their  Heires   and  Ass. :  do,  make  pforme, 
suffer  execute,  and  willingly  consent  unto  any  further  Act  or 
Acts,  Conueyance  or  Couueyances,  Assureance,  or  Assurances 
for  the  good  and  i>fect  Investing,  Assuring,  Conveying  and 
sure  making  of  all  the  afcnes'^  Houses  and  Halntacon,  porcons 
of  Land,  Island  tind  all  and  singular  other  the  ]i  *' misses  w*'* 
thapj)urtences  to  the   s''  S'"  fferd  Gorges  Cap*.  John  Mason 
and  their  s'' Associates  John  Cotton  Henry  Gardner  George 
Griffith    Edwyn    Guy    Thomas   AVannerton    Tho   Eyere    and 
Eliezer  Eyre,  their  Heires   and  Assignes,  as  by  them  their 
Heires  or  Assignes,  or  V>y  his  or  their  or  any  of  their  Councill 
learned  in  the  Law  shallje  devised  or  advised  or  required. 
And  further  Kxow  Yee  that  the  s'^  Presd*  and  Councill  have 
made,  constituted  deputed,  authorized  appointed,  and  in  their 
l)lace  and  steed  do  putt  Cap*.  Thom.  Caniock  Henry  Joselin, 
or   in   their   absence    to    any  other  psou    that    shalbe    their 
Gouernour,  or  other  Officer,  to  the  Pres*^ :  and  Councill  to  be 
their  lawfull  Attorny  and  in  their  name  &  Steed  to  enter  into 
the    s*^  House    and   Habitation   porcons   of   land    and   other 
y '  p ''  misses  aboue  giuen  and  granted  w*-'  their  apptences  or 
into  some  p*  thereof,  in  the  name  of  the  whole  for  them  and 
in  their  name  to  haue  and  take  possession  and  seizin  thereof, 
and  after  such  Possession  and  Seizin  so  thereof  or  of  some 


14  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

part  thereof  in  the  name  of  the  whole  so  taken  and  had,  then 
for  theiu  and  in  their  names  to  deliuer  full  and  peaceable 
possession  and  seizin  of  all  and  Singular  the  s'^  granted 
p""  misses  unto  y''  sd  S'"  Ferdinando  Gorges  Oapt.  John  Mason 
and  their  said  Associates  John  Cotton  Henry  Gardner,  Geo. 
Grifhth,  Edwyn  Guy  Thomas  Waniierton,  Thomas  E^^e  and 
Eliezer  Eyre,  or  to  their  certain  Attorny  or  Attornys  in  that 
behalfe,  accarding  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  theise 
p"*'*  Ratifying  Confirming  and  Allowing  all  and  whatsoeuer 
their  said  Attorney  shall  do  in  or  about  the  })''  misses  by  these 
p"'**.  In  Witnesse  whereof  the  said  jn-esident  and  Councill 
to  two  parts  of  these  presents  both  of  One  Tenor  haue  sett 
their  Common  Scale  and  to  one  part  thereof  the  s'^  S'"  Ferden : 
Gorges,  Capt.  John  Mason,  John  Cotton,  Henry  Gardiner, 
Geo  :  Griffith,  Edwin  Guy,  Tho  :  Wanuerton  Thom :  Eyre  and 
Eliezer  Eyre  haue  sett  their  hands  and  Scale  the  Day  and 
yeere  first  aboue  written. 

(Endorsed  in  pencil )     3.   Nov.  1631. 

N.  Eng^ . 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.     Vol.  (5.     No.  29. 

Att  "Warwicke  House  the  4*^^  of  November  1631.     There  being 

Prsent. 

The  Earle   of  Warwicke  Presid^  cfe    S'"  Fardenando   Gorges 

Kn*  Threr. 

T'heke  was  that  day  Sealed  a  Pattent  granted  to  S'"  Fardi- 
naudo  Gorges  Knight,  Cap*  John  Mason  and  their  Associates 
of  a  porcon  of  Land  lyeiug  upon  the  River  of  Pascataquack 
extending  itselfe  along  the  Sea  Shore  to  the  westward  5 
English  miles  and  so  by  an  imaginary  Line  up  into  the 
maine  North  to  the  bounds  of  a  plantacon  belonging  to 
Edward  Hilton  and  tlie  Islands  within  the  same  River 
eastward,   togeather  Avith   3   Miles  along  the    shoare  to  the 


l{EK\TIN(i    JO    NEW    HAMPSHIliK.  lo 

Eastward  of  the  s'' River  and  opposite  to  the  Habitation  and 
Phmtation  where  Cap  * .  Neale  lines  and  soe  up  into  the 
maine  Laud  northerly  by  all  y''  breadth  aforesaid  thirty 
miles,  witli  all  y''  Avoods  soyles  &  marshes  Avithin  the  said 
Limitts  with  the  Lakes  at  the  head  of  the  said  lliver  and 
other  Comodityes  and  Imuuityes  as  by  the  (younterparte  of 
the  same  grant  it  more  at  large  appeares. 

The  Consideration  was  for  service  fornuuly  done  Sc  for 
y*  they  had  already  setled  theire  wdtli  the  said  Captain  Neale 
divers  of  their  people  and  had  erected  salt  panns  and  hoped 
to  make  salt  <t  intended  furtlun-  to  raise  other  good  and 
merchantable  Comodityes,  as  fishing,  makeing  of  pipe  staues 
Clai)board  A'  ye  like. 

The  Conditions  w^ere  to  pay  his  Ma*^'  the  5'^  part  of  Gold 
or  Silver  Oare  there  to  be  gotten,  and  to  the  Presid'  Ar 
Councell  forty  shillings  sterling  payable  at  the  Assurance 
house  on  y*"  west  side  of  y®  Eoyall  Exchange  London  (if  it 
be  demanded)  the  first  payment  to  begin  at  the  first  of  St. 
Michael  the  Arehangell  1632  and  soe  for  all  service  from 
yeare  to  veare. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.     Vol.  6,  No.  (58. 

(1632.     Xot:  19.) 
Right  hono''i«- 

Havinge  lately  bin  in  New  England  in  America  and  taken 
notice  both  of  some  Comodities  and  advantages  to  this  State 
w''^  that  Contrie  will  ati'ord,  and  there  havinge  visited  the 
plantations  of  the  English  and  amongs  the  rest  that  espe- 
cially in  the  Mattachusetts  (being  the  largest  best  and  most 
prospering  in  all  that  land)  I  haue  made  bold  to  informe 
yo^  hono'^'  of  some  observations  w^''  I  have  taken  both  of  the 
Contrie  and  that  Plantation. 

As  for  the  Contrie  it  is  well  stored  with  goodh"  Timber  and 


16  KAItIA"    DOCl'MKNIS 

Masts  for  shippinge,  aiul  will  iifford  Cordage,  Pitch  and  Tarr 
aud  as  good  lu'in])e  and  fflax  as  in  any  pte  of  the  world,  gi'owes 
there  naturally  titt  for  Cordage  and  sayles,  whereof  this  kiug- 
domo  will  soone  find  the  benelitt,  if  the  plantacon  [)roceed 
awhile  weth  out  Diseourageni*  as  hitherto  it  hath  done. 

tfor  the  ])lautation  in  the  Mattachusetts  the  English  there 
being  about  2(100  })eople,  yi^nge  and  old,  are  gen*"'"  most 
industrious  and  titt  for  sueli  a  Worke,  hauinge  in  three  yeares 
done  more  in  buyldiuge  and  plantinge,  then  others  haue  done 
in  seauen  tymes  that  space,  and  with  at  least  ten  tynies  lesse 
expence. 

Besides  I  have  observed  the  planters  there,  and  hy  theire 
loiiinge  just  and  kind  dealinge  with  the  Indians,  haue  gotten 
theire  lone  and  respect  and  drawne  them  to  an  outward  Con- 
formity to  the  English,  soe  that  the  Indians  repaii'e  to  the 
English  Ginierno''  there,  and  his  Deputies  for  iustice. 

And  for  the  Gouerno*'  hijnself  I  haue  obserued  him  to  bee  a 
discreete,  and  sober  man,  giuiiige  good  example  to  all  the 
planters,  wearinge  plaine  apparoll  such  as  may  well  beseeme 
a  meane  man,  driukinge  ordinarih'  water,  and  when  he  is  not 
Conversant  about  matters  of  iustice,  putting  his  hand  to  any 
ordinarye  labour  with  his  seruants,  ruling  w"'  much  mildnes 
and  in  this  pticular  I  obserued  him  to  be  strict  in  execucon  of 
Justice,  upon  such  as  haue  scandalized  this  state,  either  in 
CiuiU,  or  Ecclesiasticall  goueruem*  to  the  greate  Conteutin*  of 
those  that  are  best  atiected,  and  to  the  terror  of  ofieudo'"*- 

Of  all  w'*^  I  my  selfe  hauinge  bin  an  eye  witnesse  am  the 
rather  induced  to  p»'  sent  the  same  to  yo^"  hcmo''  to  cleare  the 
reputation  of  the  plantation  from  certaine  false  rumo'*'  and 
scandales,  w'''  I  p  ceiue  since  my  retcn-ne  to  England  some 
psons  ill  affected  to  the  plantations  tiieve,  haue  cast  abroad  ; 
as  namely  one  S''  Xhofer  Gardiner,  whoe  leavinge  t^o  wines 
here  in  England,  went  with  another  youge  woman  into  New 
England,  there,  being  discovred  l)y  letters  from  England  he 
was  sepat«Ml  from  his  wench.  A  second  is  one  Moretou  wlioe 
(as  I  am  Informed  by  his  wifes  S(june  and  others)  upo)i  a  foule 
suspition  pf  Murther  fled  hence  to  New  Englaiid  and  there 
falling  out  with  some  of  the  Indians,  he  shott  theui  with  a 
fowling  piece,  for  w""''  and  other  mis Jemeano*'*  upon  the  Indians 


RELATING   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  Vf 

complaint  his  liowsti  by  order  of  Court  there,  was  destroyed 
and  he  banished  the  plantaeon. 

A  third  was  one  RatcHffe  whoe  as  I  am  Crediblie  uiformed, 
for  most  horible  bhisphemy  was  Condemned  there  to  lose  his 
eares,  whoe  with  the  former  two,  and  some  other  the  like 
discontended  and  scandalous  psons,  are  lately  returned  hither, 
seekinge  to  Couer  the  shame  of  theire  owne  facts,  by  castinge 
reproaches  upon  the  plantation,  doe  addresse  themselues  to 
S''  ffardinando  Gorges,  whoe  by  theire  false  informacons,  is 
nowe  piectinge  lioAve  to  depriue  that  plantation  of  the  previ- 
ledges  gi-aunted  1  )y  his  Ma^'*'  and  to  subuert  theire  gouernm'  the 
effects  whereof  wilbe  the  Titter  mine  of  this  hopefull  plantation, 
by  hindringe  all  such  as  would  goe  to  them,  anddriuinge  those 
ahedy  planted  there,  either  to  retorne,  or  disperse  into  other 
places,  w*"^  I  leaue  to  yo'"  gi*aue  iudgm*  my  selfe  being  none  of 
theire  plantation,  but  a  neighbour  by,  haue  done  this  out  of 
that  respect  I  bere  to  the  gen''"  good,  I  haue  ben  too  breife 
in  this  relation  in  regard  I  feared  to  be  ouer  troblesome  to 
yo''  hono*'^  8oe  I  take  leaue  and  rest. 

The  xix*^  daye  of  Nouember  .  1832 

Yo'"  hono"  humble  servant 

Tho  Wiggin 


(Addressed)  To  the  right  ljono^''''S'"  John  Cooke  kn'  principal! 
Secretary  to  his  Ma'*^  and  one  of  his  highnes  most 
hono^^*^  prince  Councell  these  d 


(Endorsed)     1632.     Nove''  19.      Relation  of  Capt  Wiggm  of 
New  England. 


18  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.     Vol.  0.     No.  88. 

At  a  Meeting  the  6'^  of  December  1633. 

niESENT : 
S' ■  FerdeucUido  Gorges  Ku* 

Cap*  John  Mason  for  himselfe  and  Mr.  John  Cotton 
M'"  Henry  Gardner 
M^-  George  Griffith 
Thomas  Eyer  for  Tho  Wannerton  &  Eliezer  Eyer. 

It  was  agreed  that  Pascattaway  house  and  the  house  at 
Shawberry  Banke,  and  all  the  Islands  and  Isletts  within  the 
river  of  Pascattaway  together  with  all  the  Land  on  the  South- 
Avest  syde  of  the  said  River  Avhicli  is  mentioned  in  the  Patent, 
as  also  the  Isles  of  Shoales  and  the  house  at  Newichewanock 
Anth  the  land  thereunto  belonging  shall  remaine  in  Common 
untill  a  Division  thereof  hereafter  to  be  made. 

And  as  concerning  the  land  upon  the  Northwest  syde  of 
the  said  River,  from  the  outermost  point  npon  the  Sea  Coast 
unto  the  end  of  30  miles  being  the  extent  thereof  up  into  the 
Maine  Land  the  same  is  by  mutuall  consent  divided  ns  fol- 
loweth  (viz*. 

To  S^"  Ferdinando  Gorges  Knight  three  miles  l^egiuning  at 
the  outermost  point  in  the  Sea  where  the  Patent  of  y**  said 
syde  of  Land  beginneth  up  the  River. 

To  M^".  Henry  Gardner  three  miles  and  three  quarters 
beginning  where  S*"  Ferdinando  Gorges  land  endeth  and  soe 
u])  the  River  aforesaid. 

To  K'"-  George  Griffith  M'-  Thomas  AVannerton  and  Eliezar 
Eyer  eight  miles  beginning  where  M'-  Gardner  aforenamed 
endeth  and  soe  up  within  a  quarter  of  a  ndle  to  the  Lower- 
most falls  next  to  Newichewanock  house. 

To  Captaine  John  Mason  for  himselfe  and  M''  John  Cottoji 
to  beginne  a  quarter  of  a  mile  below  the  said  Lowermost  fall 
and  soe  u})ward  along  Newichewannock  River  to  the  end  of 
y®  Patent  which  is  estimated  about  fifteen  miles  and  a  quarter 
l)eing  almost  fower  miles  more  than  his  jn'oportion  cometh 


RELATING  TO  NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  19 

unto.  Yet  it  is  allowed  him  in  regard  liee  is  soe  farre  distant 
from  the  Sea,  and  for  conveniency  of  landing  boats  belowe  the 
said  Falls 

Provided  that  if  any  of  th(^  abovenamed  shall  come  short  of 
having  his  due  division  of  quantity  of  Land  in  the  Division 
aforesaid 

It  is  to  be  rectified  in  the  next  Division  of  Lands  uudi- 
vided 

Concerning  the  Swine  remaining  to  the  generalls  it  is 
agreed  that  tliey  shall  bee  divided  as  followeth 

To  S'-  Ferdinando  Gorges  Ku  *    .         .         4  Sowes 

To  Capt.  Mason 14 

To  Mr.  Henr}^  Gardner  ...  5 
To  Mr.  George  Grifflth  ...  5 
To  Mr.  Thomas  Wannerton         .         .         3 

To  Ehezer  Eyer 8 

And  the  residue  to  reniaine  untill  the  next  division  of  them. 

Ferdi.  Gorges 
John  Mason 
George  Griffith 
Henry  Gardner. 


STATE  PAPERS.   DOMESTIC    SERIES.      Vol.  2.59.     No.  70. 

(1633-4.     Jan.) 

Whereas  we  are  informed  that  tlie  place  of  Captaine  of 
o""  Artillery  Garden  w^'^in  o'"  Cittie  of  Loudon  is  now  become 
void  by  the  Death  of  the  Late  Captaine  there.  We  having 
receeved  very  good  testimonie  of  the  manie  faithfull  Services 
done  unto  us  by  o^'  trustie  and  \vell)eloved  Capt.  Walter  Neale 
and  of  his  abilities  in  Military  Disci]>line  are  graciously  pleased, 
and  doe  by  tlieis  o'^  Ires  recomend  him  unto  you  to  succeed 
in  that  place  not  doubting  Imt  you  readily  conferre  the  same 
upon  liim,  together  w"^  all  rights  and  profitts  there  belonging 


20  EAltLY   DOCUMENTS 

\v'''  we  sli;ill  retoiiio  in  o'"  })riiic'ely  Keiueuibraiice  for  yo''  beiie- 
titt  as  occasion  shall  be  presented. 

(Endorsed)    Capt  Neale   Capt  of  Artillery  Garden — 
London. 

(In  pencil.     "  Editors  mark")    prob.  Jan  1()  33-4. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Voi..  8,  No.  47. 

(1634.  /W>.  3.) 

Allottm*  of  Cap*  Mason's  part  by  y^  Councell  of  N.  England. 

ffor  as  mnoli  as  by  a  mutuall  agreement  wee  whose  names 
are  subscribed  Patentees  or  Adventurers  and  of  the  Councell 
of  New  England  are  to  joyne  in  the  surrender  to  his  Ma*'®  of 
the  gi-eate  Charter  of  that  Country  w'''  was  graunted  unto  us 
in  the  eighteenth  yeare  of  the  Reigne  of  King  James  of  blessed 
memory  in  whose  p'sence  Lotts  were  drawne  for  setling  of 
divers  and  sondry  divisions  of  Land  on  the  Sea  Cost  of  the 
said  Country  uppon  most  of  us  Avho  hitherto  haue  neuer  bin 
confirmed  in  the  said  Land  soe  allotted  And  to  the  intent  that 
euery  one  of  us  according  to  equity  and  in  some  reasonable 
manner  answearable  to  his  Adventures  or  other  interest  male 
enioy  a  i)porcon  of  the  land  of  the  said  CV)untry  to  bee  ime- 
diatly  holden  of  his  ma*'**  wee  therefore  doe  condescend  and 
agree  that  all  that  })te  of  the  sea  coast  of  the  Country 
aforesaid  shall  belong  to  Captaine  John  Mason  to  begin  at 
the  midle  of  Namekecke  river,  and  from  thence  to  pceed 
eastward  along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape-Anne  and  round  about 
the  same  in  to  Pascataway  Harbour  and  soe  forthward  upj) 
within  the  river  of  Newichewannock  and  to  the  farthest  head 
of  the  said  river  and  fi'om  thence  Noi-th westward  till  sixty 
miles  be  finished  from  the  first  entrance  of  Pascataway  har- 
bour Alsoe  from  Namekecke  through  the  Harbour  and  lliuer 
thereof  up  into  the  laud  west  sixty  myles  from  w'''  period  to 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMSPHIUE.  21 

ci'osse  oner  land  to  the  sixty  miles  end  accounted  from  Pas- 
cataway  throufjj  Newichewanncx-k  liiver  and  into  the  land 
North wejst  as  aforesaid  and  hereunto  is  to  belonge  the 
South  halfe  of  the  Isles  of  Shodles  and  10000  acres  on  the 
south-east  })art  of  Sagadahock  at  the  mouth  or  entrance 
thereof. 

Saueing  and  reserving  out  of  this  diviseon  to  euery  one  that 
hath  any  lawfull  graunt  of  land  or  plantacon  lawfully  setled 
in  the  same  The  fi'eeholding  and  6noi;ying  of  his  right  w*^'  the 
libties  thereunto  ap})tayning  laying  downe  his  Jura  Eegalia 
(if  he  haue  any)  to  the  p  prietor  of  his  division  Avherein  his 
'land  lyeth  and  paying  some  small  acknowledgment  for  that  he 
is  now  to  liould  his  said  land  anewe  of  the  p  prietor  of  this 
division. 

J.  Lenox  Hamilton  Arrundell  <fe  Surry 

Carlile  Stelene 

Ed  Gorges  fferde  Gorge. 

Concordat  cum  originali   fea  collatione  per  me  Tho.  May- 
dwell  No''""  Pub'"""- 


EXTRACT    FROM    MSS.    IN     THE    BRITISH     MUSEUM, 

No.   3448,   "  entitled,  "  A    Relation    Concerning    the    Estate 

OF  New-England."     (About  1636). 
A  relation  concerning  New  England,  flbr  the  perfect  under- 
staudinge  the  State  of  New  England  these  three  things  deserue 
consideracon  vizt, 

1.  The  Countrie, 

2.  The  Comodities, 
8.  The  Inhabitants, 

THE    COUNTKYE. 

New-England  is  scrtuate  in  the  north  part  of  the  maine 
Continent  of  America  included  w^^^in  the  degrees  of  40  and  48 
of  notherly  latitude  a  clymate  through  out  all  the  Avorld 
esteemed  temporate,  and  healthfull  and   by  Experience  it  is 


22  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

found  that  iioe  rountiie  niioyctli  a  more  sahiljrious  aire  then 
New  England,  and  tliougli  the  Winter  l)e  more  Sha''pe  then 
ordiuariely  heare,  yett  it  is  h»sse  ofi'ensine  by  reason  the  aire 
is  more  Cleer  and  the  Cokl  alhvayes  drie 

INHABITANTS. 

The  Inhabitants  of  New  England  are  of  two  sorts  the  uatiue 
and  the  Phinte's. 

The  natiues  of  the  Countrie  are  att  this  tyme  verie  few  in 
number  though  heretofore  })opuelous  destroyed  by  a  great 
and  generall  plague  w*^^"'  happined  about  17  years  since, 
lea"siuge  not  the  fortieth  person  liveinge  since  w"^^  time  the}: 
haue  neue""  increased,  they  line  nere  and  among  the  English 
but  are  beneficiall  to  them  onely  in  the  trade  of  Beaver 
w''^  thev  exchange  for  our  Comodities  Tlieire  want  of  people 
makes  them  not  feared  by  us  as  not  beinge  able  to  doe  much 
mischiefe,  w^^'  otherwise  doubtles  they  would  doe  as  was 
found  by  lamentable  experience  the  last  yeare.  What  the 
Manne'^®  and  Customs  of  those  Indians  are  is  trulie  and  att 
large  related  by  a  ffi.-enchmen  whose  booke  is  translated  into 
Enghsh  intituled  Noya  ffrancia. 

The  Plaute'*  of  newe  England  are  of  three  seuerall  nations, 
English  ffrench  and  Dutch. 

(Dutch  Plantation  page  7) 

(French  Plantation  page  8) 

The  English  are  planted  in  the  middest  betwixt  the  Dutch 
and  ffrench  in  a  coimtrie  ffarr  exceedinge  that  of  the  ffrench 
though  some  what  inferiour  to  the  Dutch  haliitacou. 

That  part  of  the  countrie  was  manie  yeares  since  planted 
by  the  Englisli  in  the  time  and  by  the  meanes  of  the  Lord 
Cheife  Justice  Popham  and  some  others,  and  especially  by 
S'"  fferdinando  Gorges  Knight  but  those  plantacons  prospered 
not  through  th(^  ill  Choice  of  places  Comodious  for  habita- 
tion. 

The  Present  Inlial)itauts  of  New  Plymouth  were  the  iirst 
the  setled  a  plantation  to  any  purpose  in  New  England  who 
went  thithe*"  to  inhibite  about  some  15  yeares  but  the  great 
numbe'*'  of  ]ieople  w''^^  makes  the  countrie  seeme  now  some- 
Avhat  populous  w"'  English  hath  been  transported  w*''in  these 


RELATING   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  23 

9  yearew  under  the  governm*  of  M*'  ludicott  and  M'  ^Vintlnop 
who  haue  seated  theuisehies  in  the  west  and  more  Southerlie 
part  of  the  Countrie  about  the  same  tyme  and  since  diue*"" 
other  private  Coh)nies  haue  been  phiuted  in  tlie  more  Esterhe 
and  nothern  i)arts. 

The  Enghsh  are  planted  in  this  Countree  by  vertue  of  Pa- 
tents granted  unto  them  fi'om  the  President  and  Counsell  of 
New  Enaland  W''  soe  fi'arr  I  cann  understand  are  in  number 
as  vizt. 

1.  The  Patent  of  NeAv  Plymouth. 

2.  The  Patent  of  Massachusetts  Baye. 

3.  The   Patent   of   Agawam,   gi-anted   to    Captaine   John 
Mason. 

4.  A  Patente  gi-anted  to  S^'  H'erdenando  Gorges. 

5.  A  Patent  of  Laconia  granted  to  S'"  fferdenando  Gorges 
and  Captame  Mason. 

6.  A  Patent  of  Paseataquacke  gi-anted  to  S""  fferdenando 
Gorges  and  othe*"^ 

7.  A  Patent  granted  to  Edward  Hilton. 

8.  A  Patent  of  Aceaminticus  granted  to  Captaine  Morton 
w^^  othe'*^- 

9.  A  Patent  granted  to  John  Stratton  al)out  Cape  Porpus 
Rive'- 

10.  Two  Patents  of  Sohaketocke  granted  to  Eichard  vynes 
S:  Thomas  Lewis. 

12.  A  Patent  granted  to  (^aptaine  Thomas  C\amock  of  black 
pointe. 

13.  A  patent  granted  to  M'-  Trelanye  of  Cape  EUzabeth. 

14.  A  patent  of  Casico  gi-anted  to  Captaine  Levitt. 

15.  A  Patent  of  Pethipscote-  granted  to  Thomas  Purchis 
and  others. 

16.  A  Patent  granted  to  Eichard  Bradshaw  of  the  North 
east  side  of  Pecki])scot  Eive'' 

17.  A  Patent  of  Quinebeeke,  belonginge  to  them  of  New 
Plymouth. 

18.  A  Patent  of  Segadehock  granted  to  Crispe  and  others. 

19.  A  Patent  of  Pemaquid  gi-anted  to  M'"  Aide*"  and  M""- 
Elbridge. 

20.  A  Patent  gi-auted  of  Penobscott   to  M'-  Sherlie,  and 


24  EAItT,Y    DOCCMEXTS 

othe''®  Off  tlieis  Puteiits  granted  to  S''  tit'ideiiaiulo  (Jorges,  imd 
Captame  Jolm  Mason  are  influded  w^Hn  the  Patent  last 
gi'anted  to  the  Inhabitants  of  tlie  Massachusetts  Bay  Con- 
cerninge  w'*'  Matte'''  there  hath  been  and  still  reniaines  some 
controversee     KSagadehock  was  never  planted. 

That  of  Cassica,  and  that  granted  to  John  Stratton  were  at 
ray  Cominge  away  forsaken. 

The  Patent  of  Penobscott  is  largest  of  Extent,  it  Compre- 
hendiuge  (as  is  pretended)  were  40  leagues  in  length  yett  it 
is  planted  but  w^''  one  house,  And  is  now  possessed  by  the 
ffrench. 

The  English  in  theis  seyerall  patents  are  planted  alonge 
the  sea  Coast  and  haue  their  habitations  nere  adioyning  to 
Eiye""*  Navegable  ffor  Shippinge,  or  Barkes,  the'"  Charge  and 
Difiicultie  of  transportinge  proyesion  by  land,  ffor  want  of 
Horses  Causes  the  Inland  l)arty  to  bee  yett  un})eopled. 

The  Plantacons  beginninge  at  ye  most  Southerlie,  w'*'  is 
new  Plymouth  and  endinge  at  Penobscott,  Containe  in  length 
alonge  the  sea  Cost  about  70  leagues  and  are  peopled  w*'' 
more  than  3000  Persons  whereof  new  Plimouth  may  Containe 
well  uere  1800,  the  Massachusetts  ^  *  *  ->:•  the  rest 
of  the  Patents  beinge  planted  w"'  residue. 

Att  my  Comeinge  ouer  there  was  estimated  to  be  att  the 
least  *  *  head  of  K^nie  belonging  to  the  seuerall  plantacons, 
And  are  now  increased  to  5000  or  thereabouts,  great  store  of 
Swyne  and  goates  and  some  horses  : 

The  Inhabitants  haue  in  all  places  Convenient  houses  and 
good  quantitie  of  Cleered  land  ff'or  C-orne. 

The  aboue  meuconed  Patents  are  not  all  of  one  kinde,  for 
some  are  in  the  nature  of  Corporacons  and  haue  poAver  to 
make  Lawes,  ffor  the  governinge  of  their  plantacons,  others 
are  but  onely  assignmn***  of  soe  much  Land  to  bee  planted 
and  possessed  w"'out  power  of  governnit. 

Of  the  first  sort  are  onely  theis  ff'ower  vizt : 

1.  New  Plymouth 

2.  Massachusetts 

3.  Pascatequack  & 

4.  Pemaquid. 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIltE.  25 

The  Civill  goverumn*  of  the  Colonies  remaine  in  the  power 
of  those  who  are  Principall  in  the  Patents  of  w'"''  those 
w''^  haue  authoritie  to  estabhsh  hiwes,  doe  Execute  theii-e 
Jurisdction  t\i:  soe  ffar  as  I  could  understand,  as  neere,  as 
may  bee  accordinge  to  the  hiwes  of  Enghmd,  And  those  whoe 
haue  not  that  legall  powe''  doe  goveme  theire  servants  and 
Teunants  in  a  Civill  way,  soe  ffar  as  the}  are  able. 

The  Defects  in  theis  plantations  ffor  the  present,  as  I 
conceiue,  are  onely  theis. 

1.  The  Inhabitants  (Except  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay)  are 
too  farr  scixttered  one  from  another  alonge  the  coast,  soe  that 
they  Cannot  uppon  any  occasion,  Reiinite  the""  selues  to 
oppose  an  enemye. 

2.  There  is  fewe  tforts  nor  places  of  the  strength  iii  all  the 
Countrie. 

3.  There  are  but  few  of  those,  who  haue  Patents  granted 
unto  them  that  doe  obserue  the  Lawes,  and  orde'*  of  Planta- 
tion appointed  unto  them  in  their  Patents  and  Expressed  in 
the  grand  Patent,  granted  by  his  Ma*'''  to  the  President  and 
Councell. 

4.  When  there  happeueth  any  question  betweeue  the 
Plante'"  of  seuerall  Patents,  those  quarrells  are  seldome, 
or  neuer  ended  because  there  is  none  in  the  Countrie  that 
hath  authoritie  to  Decyde  them ;  every  mans  powe"^"  beinge 
Limitted,  w*''  his  owue  Patent. 

5.  There  wants  an  uniformytie  in  the  Lawes  and  Customes 
of  seuerall  Patents  and  alsoe  a  generall  unitie  in  thinges  that 
conscerne  the  publique  good  of  the  Countrie. 

As  Concerninge  matte''^  of  Religion,  because  my  aboade 
was  ffarre  distant  ffrom  neighbo'®  and  noe  professed  Scholler, 
I  was  therefore  little  acquainted  w*'-^  other  mens  disagreeiuge 
opinions  and  myselfe,  and  Colonie  all  wayes  professiuge  the 
l>octrine  discipline  of  the  Church  of  England  I  was  not 
Curious  afte^  that  of  othe''^  w*^^  then  Concerned  me  nott. 

ffinis. 

(Then  follows  "  An  abstract  of  the  Lawes  of  New  Eng- 
land.") 


26  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

COUllT  OF  ItKQUESTS,  BILLS  cV  ANSWERS.     i:5  Cvn.  I. 

Cotton  rs.  Gorges. 

(1637) 

The  several!  Answeare  of  S"*  Farclinando  Gorges,  Knight, 
one  of  the  Defendants  to  the  Bill  of  Complaynt  of  John 
Gotten,  Complaynant. 

(This  answer  has  been  lately  printed  in  the  Appendix 
to  the  second  edition  of  the  Editor's  History  of  the  Isles  of 
Shoals.)  • 


COURT  OF  REQUESTS,  ORDERS  AND  DECREES. 

Vol.  35,  p.   2L     Easter  Term.      13  Car.   I. 

(1637.) 

Eyre  and  George. 

Whereas  Thomas  Eyre  hath  exhibited  his  bill  of  Complumto 
the  King's  Ma*'^'  before  his  highness  CounceU  in  his  hono^'" 
Court  of  Whitehall  at  Westni''  against  Sir  fferdinando  Gorge 
kt.  John  Watson  and  others  Defendts  ;  Thereby  settinge  forth 
that  the  Defendts  S*"  iferdinando  Gorge  Thomas  Waimerton 
and  others  adventurers  for  Pascattawaye  in  New  England  did 
make  choice  of  the  pit.  for  theire  agent  for  mauaginge  theire 
affaires  and  about  7"  Caroli  R^  the  said  adventurers  did  sett 
out  the  shipp  called  the  Lyons  whelpe  .whereof  the  defendt 
(iibs  was  maister  and  who  Avithout  the  adventurers  privitye 
did  lade  for  the  accomi>t  of  himselfe  the  Defend*  Watson  and 
Kingston  76*'  of  beauer  wooll  which  beinge  returned  into 
England  the  said  adventurers  directed  the  Complt  to  take  the 
same  into  his  custodye  for  non  payment  of  the  fraight  of  the 
said  Beaver  wooU  which  tlie  said  Defendts  Watson  Gibson  and 
Kingston  haue  suffered  to  remaine  in  the  ])lts  hands  without 
payement  of  tlie  fraight  for  the  same  by  the  Space  of  foure 
yeares  and  untill  the  pit  by  the  direccon  of  the  said  Adventu- 


i^ELATIXG   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  2"? 

rers  had  sold  the  said  Beaver  wooll  and  what  the  pit  did  was 
by  the  direccou  of  the  saide  Compam-e  hee  beinge  but  theire 
agent  as  aforesaide  and  the  said  sale  was  occasioned  by  the 
wilfull  neglect  of  the  Defendts  Gibbs  and  Kingston  in  not 
])ajeinge  the  said  fi-aight  Therefore  and  for  that  the  said 
Defend*  John  Watson  hath  now  revived  a  suite  at  the  Comon 
Lawe  brought  4  yeares  since  against  the  pit  for  8^*^  of  the  said 
beaver  wooll  and  doe  presse  a  Speedie  triall  therein  against 
the  pit.  It  is  by  the  Eight  hono*'^^  the  Lord  the  Lord  P.  S  : 
and  the  rest  of  his  Ma*''  said  Councell  of  this  Court  in  presence 
of  Councell  on  l)oth  sides  Ordered  that  the  said  Deft  Watson 
shall  bee  at  libtie  to  proceed  to  a  triall  at  comou  Lawe  in  the 
accon  there  l)y  him  conienced  against  the  pit  and  after  the  said 
triall  the  said  Deft  Watson  his  Councellors  Attorneys  and  solh- 
citors,  and  every  of  them  shall  surcease  and  staye  and  noe 
further  prosecute  or  proceed  at  the  comon  lawe  thereupon 
ag*  the  said  Complt  untill  the  same  matter  shall  be  fullye 
heard  in  this  Court  and  other  and  further  order  bee  there- 
uppou  had  and  made  by  his  Ma-^  said  Councell  of  this  Court 
to  the  contrarie  And  it  is  further  ordered  that  an  Injunction 
under  his  Ma***  P  :  S  :  uppon  paine  of  CC*'  to  be  leavied  itc.  bee 
forthwith  awarded  and  directed  unto  the  said  Deft  Watson  his 
Councellors  Attorneys  and  Sollicitors  and  euery  of  them  for 
the  due  performance  of  this  present  order  in  euery  behalfe. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  K).  No.  18. 

(1638-9.) 

According  to  yo*"  Lopps  Order  of  Reference  of  the  22tli 
.  .  .  ffebruary  1638,  directing  us  to  examine  &  certifie  whether 
the  Promise  of  S'"  fferdinando  Gorges  to  be  an     ....     in 

equall  proporcon  w*^  Cap*  John  Mason,  (whe 

is  charg'd  w**^  the  Arreare  complained  of  to  be  from  him )  did 
only  relate  to  such  Sliipps  as  should  sett  out  A'  Voyages  made 

after  his  said  Promise, date  in  Jmie  1632,  or  to 

the  Shipps  sett  out  mentioned  in  the  Certificate  of  Sr  John 
tfe  S'"  Abraham  Dawes  w*^"''  were  1  before 


28  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

the  date Promise  or  to  both  ;  Wee  haue  ex- 

amiued  the  same  <fe  fully  heard  the  said  S*"  fferd:  Gorges  m 
Whatsoenr   could   alleadge   for   himselfe,    &   doe   fiiide   that 

said  Promise  made  in  June  1632  as  aforesaid  ha 

.  .  .  .  relation  to  the  Shipps  sett  out  tt  vojages  mentioned 
in  the  said  Certificate  of  S'"  John  Wolstenholme  &  .  .  .  . 
Abraham  Dawes,  w''^  were  before  the  date  of  his  said  Promise 
And  it  appeared  clearly  unto  us  that  the  Obiection  made  by 
the  said  S^"  fferd.  Gorges  that  his  said  Promise  related  only  <fe 
was  to  be  applied  to  such  Shipps  as  were  sett  out  &  voyages 
made  after  his  said  Promise,  was  a  mere  su  .  .  .  .  fuge 
<fe  altogether  gi'oundlesse,  for  that  after  his  said  Promise  made 
he  paid  in  100"'  w'^'^^  nnist  necessarily  in  relation  to  the  Voyages 
(S:  81ii])ps  sett  out  before  the  said  Promise  in  regard  that  since 
the  date  of  his  said  Promise  tliel'e  hath  not  beene  any  Shipp 
sett  out  nor  voyage  at  all  made  by  the  said  Adventurers  Be 

it  appear'd  unto  us,  as  well  by  the  Register 

Booke  M""-  Eyres  Clarke  &  Accountant  for  the  said  Comp  .  .  . 
as  by  the  Testimonies   upon  oath  as   well  of   the   said  M*" 

as  of  George  Griffith  ct  Thomas  Wannerton 

w*^^ that  the  said  S,.  fferd  Gorges  did  promise 

as  af to  be   an  Adventurer  in  all  the  Voyages 

sett  ....  the  said  Adventurers,  in  equall  proporcou 
w*^  the     ....     Mason  ;  As  concerning  the  some  of  254"' 

to  be  owing  &  in  AiTeare  by  the  said  S'"  tferden 
.     .     .     .     (w*^''  was  ordered  to  goe  towards  the  satisfaction 

the  wages  &  salaries  due  to  the  poore  peticon'** 
Proofe  thereof  is  the  s'^  Register  Booke  of  Accounts  by  the 

said  Eyi'es  attested  by  him  upon  oath  to  be  a  true 

Upon  all  wh''^  wee  are  of  opinion  that  the  said  S'"  fferd.  Gorges 
was  in  Ai'reare  the  said  some  of  254"'-  (whereof  10"'-  only  hath 
beene  by  him  paid,  since  the  first  Compl*  of  the  Peticonrs  to 
this  Board  Neurthelesse  in  regard  S^'  fferd.  Gorges  did  obiect 
one  pticular  whereby  he  endeauoiired  to  disable  the  Testimony 
of  the  said  Eyres,  &  the  Credete  of  his  Register  booke  Wee 
haue  at  this  Instance  thought  fitt  to  represent  tlie  same  to 
yo'"  Lopps.  Vizt.  That  in  a  cause  lately  depending  in  the  Court 
of  Requests  betvveeiie  one  Cotton,  Plaintiffes  tt  S""  fferd.  Gorges 
&  Henr}'  Gardener  defend***  concerning  the  some  adventured 


RELATING   TO   NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  29 

by  S''  fferd  Gorges  in  a  ffisliiug  Voyage  to  New  England  ;  Tliu 
question  being  Whether  his  Adventure  Avere  110"'  or  50"'  It 
was  (notw^'^standinge  the  Answer  of  the  said  Eyres  upon  oath 
to  an  Interogatory  ministred  on  that  behalfe,  wherein  he 
affinn'd  that  the  Adventure  of  the  said  S*"  tferd.  Gorges  was 
llO"')  Kesohi'd  by  the  said  Coui-t  that  the  said  Adventure  was 
only  50^'^  &  soe  order'd  accordingly,  a  Copie  of  w' '»  Dei)osicon 
ct  order  he  now  produc'd  before  us  ;  w''^  whether  it  may  trench 
to  the  impeachni*  of  the  Testimony  of  the  said  Eyres  or  the 
chredete  of  his  Kegister  Booke  of  Account^  in  the  matters 
referr'd  by  yo^'  Lopp**-  to  us  wee  presume  not  to  iudge,  but 
humbly  submit  the  same  to  yo*"  Lopp^-  Only  wee  conceaue  it 
fitt  to  acquainte  yo*'  Lopp^  likewise  w'"^  Mr.  Eyres  liis  Answer 
thereunto  ;  w'^'  was,  That  the  Court  of  Requests  did  not  reject 
his  Testimony  there,  in  such  a  sence  as  S'"  fferd.  Gorges  now 
urges  &  would  make  use  of,  to  disable  his  Testimony  in  other 
thinges,  But  that  although  the  said  order  of  Court  determin'd 
it  otherwise  then  as  ho  had  deposed,  yet  the  same  was  but 
according  to  the  Course  of  all  Courts  in  regard  there  was  but 
singularis  Testis  And  therefore  humbly  desirc^l  that  in  Case 
the  said  objection  of  S^'  fferd.  Gorges  made  any  impression 
w"'  yo'"  Lopp'^-  that  he  might  be  heard  to  giue  further  Answer 

thereunto. 

Will.  Becher  Abra.  Williams 

Frances  Wiatt  Laur.  Whitaker 

&c. 
Date  1638-9.  (Endorsed)        S>-  fferd  Gorges. 

(A  portion  of  this  Document  towards  the  edge  is  missing.) 


COUNCIL  RECilSTER.      Vol.   15,  ]^l^.  3()l)-:501. 

Piuvv  Council  Oi/fkie. 

Upon  readinge  of  a  Certificate  returned  to  their  Lo^'''  fi'om 
the  Sub  Comittees  for  forraigne  Plantacons  unto  Avhom  their 
Lo^'*  had  formerlie  referred  the  hearinge  and  examininge  of 
the  Complaints  made  by  John  Michell  a  Minister  and  divers 


30  EAliLY   DOCUMENTS 

other  poore  people  eouceriiinge  certaiue  moiieys  due  nuto 
them  from  S'  flferdenando  Gorges  kut  upon  his  adventures  to 
Lacouia  and  ui)()n  readinge  of  a  ft'ornier  Cevtifieate  made  in 
the  busine'*"'  by  S'"  John  "Wolstonholme  and  S*"  Abraham 
Dawes,  who  had  by  order  frome  their  Lo^^  examined  the 
Bookes  and  aeeompts  of  tlie  Adventures  to  Laconia  concern- 
inge  the  same  ;  ffor  as  much  as  it  appeared  by  the  said 
Certificates  that  there  are  moneys  in  aiTeare  and  due  fi'om 
S"  ffardinando  Gorges  upon  his  said  Adventures  w''^  ought 
to  go  to  the  satisfaccon  oi  the  poore  pet"  and  w*''out 
w'^'^  they  coukl  not  be  satisfied.  It  was  there  upon  thought 
fitt  and  ordered  tliat  the  said  8''  ifardinando  Gorges  shoukl 
be  required  and  enioyned  forthwith  upon  sight  hereof  to 
make  paym*  of  the  said  Arrears  unto  the  Clark  of  the  Councell 
Attendant,  appearinge  by  Certificate  under  the  hand  of 
Thomss  Ayres  Clarke  and  Register  to  the  said  Adventurers 
to  be  £254  (whereof  the  said  S''  tfardeando  Gorges  hath  payd 
onlie  10'^  )  w""^  money  is  to  be  distributed  and  paid  unto  the 
said  poore  peo[)le  proportionablie  accordinge  to  the  severall 
somes  due  unto  every  of  them  respectively. 
Att  WhitehaU  the  27*^  June,  lOliS     Present 

Lo  Arc  Bp  of  (*an'  Lo  Chamblaine 

Lo  Keeper  Lo  Cottington 

Lo  Treaser  Lo  Newburgh 

Lo  P.  Seale  IVP  Comptroller 

Ea  Marshall  M"^  Sec  Coke 

M'"  Sec  Windebanke 


COURT  REQUEST  BILLS  &  ANSWERS.     12  CAR.  I. 

(1636.) 

[Abstract  only) 

Thomas  Morton  against  Olim^r  Powell 

To  the  KiDg's   Most   excellent  Majesty — Thomas    Morton 
late  of  New  England  in  America  Gentleman  Complains  that 


DELATING   TO    NEW    HAMPSHIKE.  31 

one  Brodripp  of  Axl)ri(le  in  County  of  Somerset  Gentleman 
about  1G2J:  was  indebted  to  him  in  the  sum  of  £8  and 
OomiDl*  being  then  minded  to  travail  and  make  a  voyage  into 
New  England  aforesaid  which  he  shortly  after  perfcn-med, 
order  the  said  sum  to  be  paid  to  Oliver  Powell  of  Axbridge 
aforesaid  Yeoman.  That  during  Compl*^  absence  the  said 
Powell  collected  the  amount  from  Proderipp  for  the  Com- 
ipV^  use  who  continued  in  New  England  aforesaid  for  9  or  10 
years  after  the  said  Oliver  received  .the  same  retained  it. 
And  the  Petitioner  being  of  late  enforced  from  the  said 
fforaign  part  by  the  Malicious  practices  of  the  Separatists 
there,  that  have  seized  and  taken  away  all  the  pits  means 
in  those  parts.  And  since  his  arrival  into  England  of  late  he 
demanded  the  money  of  Powell  &:  payment  was  refused. 
And  the  said  Oliver  having  understood  how  spightfully  the 
Seperatists  had  handled  yo*"  subject  and  had  taken  from  your 
subject,  among  (jther  things  the  writing  purporting  the  trust 
aforesaid  and  thus  he  supj)osing  it  impossible  for  yo''  subject 
to  make  out  this  case  at  law. 

(Endorsed)  21  Jime  Anno  12  Car.  T. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  9.  No.  129. 

(1638.) 
May  it  please  y*"  Grace. 

I  lately  viewed  some  lines  w*^"^'  were  sayd  to  be  a  Copie  of  a 
supplieaon  sent  to  y''  lords  Comissioners  for  plantaon  from 
y''  Massachusets  wherein  sundry  Consideracons  are  p'sented, 
y"^  last  whereof  seems  to  Menace  Revolt  <k  Erection  of  New 
Governmn*  ;  w^^  say  they  y*'  Comons  are  hke  to  attempt : 
But  my  lo  y*"  truetli  is  ;  It  is  their  Court  Conclusion,  long 
since  decred  to  spend  their  blond  in  opposing  all  Counter 
maunds  to  their  p'sent  way  A'  humour ;  to  w'^  ]3urpose  they 
use  all  dihgence  to  fortifie  themselves.  And  because  y®  River 
of  Pascataquay  is  very  beneficall  for  plantaon  ;  having  also 


3'2  EARLY    DOCUMENTS 

ail  excellent  liarbour  w'''  may  iiincli  plit  or  aiioy  tlieiii  in  case 
of  warre;  therefore  they  endeavour  av"'  all  their  skill  tS:  might 
to  obtains  y^  Comand  thereof,  w'^^  if  they  gaine,  not  only  a 
place  most  advantageous  for  his  Ma*'*'  may  be  hazarded  ;  but 
y''  hearts  &  liandes  of  his  yet  faithful)  subiects  may  be  es- 
tranged ik  weakend  by  their  practizes  /  <l()  tlicn-fore  conceinp 
That  ?/o'"  Grave  will  i>i(hj  it  nccessarie  /r^''  all  ExjX'dition  to 
.-o'cure  y^  River  it'  liarhaKf  /or  his  tua*^^^  use:  I  neither  dare 
nor  need  p^'sume  herein  to  direct  yo*"  Grace ;  but  y*'  best  way 
y'  p'sents  it  self  to  my  thoughts  is  ;  That  a  speedie  Course  be 
taken  to  setle  his  Ma'^'""  Gou'nt  amongest  us  ;  there  yet  being 
none  but  Combinacons  :  because  y^  severall  patents  upon 
y''  Eiver  are  thought  to  comprize  no  Comission  for  jurisdic- 
tion. 

Now  my  Lo  :  for  y''  pai-ticular,  Whether  to  send  one  from 
England  w*''  Comission,  or  to  send  Comission  to  some  one 
here,  or  to  Grant  jDower  of  Incorporaon  c^'  Election,  That  I 
humbly  submit  to  y'"  Graces  great  wisdom  ;  for  ye  year  past 
&  this  Currant  y^  helme  hath  bin  put  into  my  hand  by 
y^  prmcipall  plantaons  ;  but  I  perceive  no  Great  Strength 
nore  saftie  m  y®  course  we  Steare  his  Ma*^*^^  authoritie  is  That 
w'"^  will  p^'vaile  for  y^  advaucemt  of  both  sorts  of  Regiment 
and  lawes  Eccliall  «fe  temporall  more  over  my  L  :  if  ye  Eiver 
(jf  pascataq.  were  appointed  for  y^  port  of  discharg  for 
Shippes  yt  bring  passengers,  in  case  any  be  permitted,  it 
would  much  Strengthen  y®  Loyall  partie,  for  many  y*  are 
brought  to  Massachusets  would  set  down  w'^  us  but  for 
difficultie  of  Removeall. 

These  things  I  held  my  self  bound  to  rej)*'sent  <t  subject 
to  yo"^  Graces  view,  iion  ol)stante  a  late  discouragnt  for 
y'^  day  before  y*^  writing  hereof  I  was  crinlibly  informed  ; 
That  Massachusets  Magistrates  have  from  England  received 
Co]3ies  of  my  two  first  letters  to  your  Grace  :  w''^  themselves 
say,  M^"  Vane  procured  fi-om  y^'  Graces  Chapleine  :  If  this 
was  w^''  out  y''  Graces  Consent,  it  will  much  concerne  your 
Grace,  if  w"^  it,  (w*^^''  I  cannot  believe)  It  will  behove  mee  to 
Consider  of  it.  I  wish  y*"  Grace  all  happiness  &  remaine 
y*"  Graces  humbly  observant. 

Geo.  Burdett. 

Pascataq  Noveb  29.  1088 


KELATINC}   TO    NEW    H.VMPSHIRE.  3B 

(Addressed)  To  ye  Most  Reueud  father  in  God  y''  lo. 
Arclibp  of  Canterbury  his  Grace  primate  &  Metropolitane  of 
All  England  ttc  humbly  I  jji'sent  these. 

(Endorsed)    liece  Janua :    31  :    163§.     M.   Burdett.     Newe 
England.     Theire  affectation  to  shake  of  Gouyemeut. 
Noyeb.  29.  1638. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  D,  No.  131. 

To  the  Kings  most  excellent  Ma''" 

The  humble  Petition  of  Captein  Walter  Neale 

Yoiu-  Ma**^  being  graciously  pleased  to  take  into  yor  Roiall 
consideration  the  gouernmeut  of  the  plantations  in  New  Eng- 
land Ma}'  your  Ma*'*'  likewise  fauourably  youchsafe  to  accept 
the  pretences  of  your  humble  £)etic<)uer  to  the  said  gouern- 
meut, which  are  breifely  these 

1.  Your  Ma*^^  most  humble  peticoner  hath  lined  a  Soulder 
these  twenty  yeers  and  seryed  with  Command  in  all  yo'' 
Ma*'®  expedicions. 

2.  Hee  hath  commanded  these  foA\Te  yeers  the  Compauie  of 
the  ArtiUarie  garden  in  London  and  with  greate  charge  and 
continuall  labour  hath  brought  to  that  perfection,  that  no 
Prince  in  Christendome  hath  a  Companie  equall  to  it  of 
Cittizens. 

3.  He  hath  lined  three  years  in  New  England  hauing  had  a 
Patent  and  (commission  for  that  Country,  during  which  tyme 
he  hath  made  greater  discoyeries  of  y®  inland  pts  then  was 
ever  made  by  any  before  or  since. 

•1.  He  hath  also  exactly  discouered  aU  the  riuers  and  Har- 
bors in  the  habitable  parts  of  y'  Country. 

0.  He  hath  done  more  during  his  being  there  for  the  gen- 
erall  good  of  y^  country  in  reforming  the  irregularities  and 
al)uses  of  those  that  frecpiented  those  parts  then  was  by  any 
man  before. 


34  EAELY   DOCUMENTS 

6.  With  greate  hazard  untl  iniich  travell  hee  hath  punished 
the  ex/treaine  cruelties  of  y*  natives  of  y*  Country,  and  en- 
forced them  to  a  peaceable  conformitie  in  neighbourhood  and 
comerce. 

7.  By  reason  of  y®  many  experim**  hee  hath  made  of  all  the 
Comodities  in  that  Countrie  he  is  able  to  settle  a  staple  trade 
of  some  Comodities  for  ye  profitt  ct  advantage  of  tliis  King- 
dome,  espetically  for  y*^  building  of  Shipps. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  1.  No.  .V2. 

(Abstract  only) 

22  Aprill  1635 

A   Graunt   by   the   Ph-mouth    Councill    by   Indenture   unto 
Captainc  John  Mason  in  tlie  following  words. 

"  Indenture  further  witnessing  tliat  the  Council  in  perform- 
ance of  an  agreement  made  3rd  february  last  past  for  a 
Competent  summe  of  money  and  divers  other  Causes  Have 
Granted  <tc  unto  the  said  Captaine  John  Mason  his  Heires 
and  Assignes  All  that  Part  purpart  and  porticm  of  the  Maine 
Land  of  New  England  aforesaid  beginning  frt)m  the  middle 
part  of  Xaumkecke  River  and  from  thence  to  ])roceed  Eastw'*'* 
along  the  Sea  Coast  to  Cape  Anne  and  round  about  the  same 
to  Pascataway  Harbour,  and  so  forwards  up  within  the  River 
of  Newichewanock,  and  to  the  further  Head  of  the  said  River 
and  from  thence  Northwestwards  till  Sixty  miles  be  finished 
from  the  first  entrance  of  Pascataway  Harbour  and  also  from 
Nauinkeck  through  the  River  thereof  up  into  the  Land  West 
Sixty  Miles  from  which  Period  to  crosse  over  Land  to  the 
Sixty  Miles  end  accompted  from  Pascataway  through  New- 
ichewanock River  to  the  Land  Northwestward  aforesaid. 

And  also  all  that  the  South  halfe  of  the  Isle  of  Shoulds, 
togeather  with  all  otlier  Islands  and  Isletts,  as  well  imbayed  as 


RELATING   TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  35 

withiu  live  Leagues  distauce  fi'oui  tlie  Premises  and  abutting 
upon  the  same,  or  any  part  or  j^arcell  thereof,  not  otlierwise 
graunted  to  any  by  speciall  name,  All  which  part  and  Portio  i 
of  Lajids  Islands  and  premises  are  from  henceforth  to  be  called 
by  the  name  of  New  Hampshire 

And  also  the  said  Councell  for  the  Considerations  aforesaid 
have  given  graunted  bargained  sold  enfeoffed  and  confirmed, 
and  by  these  presents  doe  give  graunt  <tc  unto  the  said  Capt 
John  Mason  his  Heires  &c  all  that  other  parcell  or  Portion  of 
Lands,  Woods  and  Wood  grounds  lying  on  the  South  East 
part  of  the  River  of  Sagadohock  in  New  England  aforesaid  at 
the  mouth  or  entrance  thereof  containing  and  to  containe  there 
ten  thousand  Acres,  which  said  other  parcell  of  Lands  from 
henceforth  is  to  be  culled  by  the  name  of  Masonia. 

(Endorsed)  Extracts  out  of  severall  Grauuts  concerning 
New  England. 

20  Papers  about  New  England. 

(In  pencil)     3  Nov  1620  to  3  April  1639.     New  Engl''- 

(On  the  next  page  is  the  following  :) 

Dates  of  severall  Pattents,  Graunts,  and  Deeds  Poll,  relating 
to  New  England. 

3  Nov'-  1620, 18  Jac.  The  Councill  of  Plymouth  Constituted 
by  Pattent. 

9  March  1620,  18  Jac.  The  Comicill  of  Plymouth  graunt 
Cape  Anne  by  Pattent  to  Cap*  Mason. 

30  Dec^  1622,  20  Jac.  The  Councill  of  Plymouth  by  Deed 
Poll,  graunt  jjart  of  the  Maine  Land  called  Messachusiack 
unto  Rob*  Gorges. 

19  Mar  1627,  3  Car.  I.  A  graunt  made  by  the  said  Councill 
to  the  Mattachusets. 

4  March  1628,  4  Car.  I.  His  Ma'"^  graunts  and  confirmes 
the  same  to  the  Mattachusets  by  Pattent. 

7  Nov  1629,  o  Car.  II.  The  Councill  of  PljTnouth  gi-aunt  by 
Indenture  the  Province  of  Laconia  unto  S""  Ferdinaudo  Gorges 
and  Captaine  John  Mason. 

3  Nov*"  1631.  7  Car.  I.    The  Councill  of  Plymouth  graunt  by 


36  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

liuk'iitniv  the  house  aud  Phmtation  hitely  belonging  to  Capt 
Walter  Neale  unto  S''  Ferdinando  Gorges,  Capt  Mason,  and 
their  Associates. 

1  Dec""  1631.  7  Car.  I.  The  said  Councill  giaunt  2(K)()  acres 
of  Land  on  y''  South  side  of  Cape  Porpus,  unto  Jolm  Htratton 
of  Shatley. 

1()  June  1632.  8  Car.  I.  The  said  Councill  gniunt  certaine 
Lands  called  the  River  Bishopscott,  unto  George  Way  and 
Thomas  Purchase. 

48  Aprill  1635.  11  Car.  I.  The  said  Councill  graunt  (demise) 
.by  Indenture  unto  S'  Ferdinando  Gorges,  a  Province  called 
New  Sommersetshire  for  3000  y^*. 

22  Aprill  1635.  11  Car.  I.  The  said  Councill  make  a  full 
Sale  of  the  former  Lands  unto  S""  Ferdinando  Gorges. 

22  Aprill  1635.  11  Car.  I.  The  Councill  of  Plymouth  by 
Indenture  gi-aunt  the  Province  of  New  Hami^shire  unto  Capt 
John  Mason. 

3  ApriJl  1639.  15  Car.  I.  His  Ma*'^  by  Letters  Pattents 
graunts  and  contirmes  to  S"^  Ferdinando  Gorges,  Lands  i'oi- 
120  Miles  along  the  Sea  Coasts,  and  up  the  Eiver  fi-om 
Pascataway  Harbour. 

(Endorsed)  Dates  of  severall  Pattents  Deeds  and  Graunts 
relating  to  New  England. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.    Voi..  47. 

The  Dover  Combination, 

(1640.   Odoher  20.) 

Whereas  sundry  Mischeifes  and  inconveniences  have 
be  fain  us,  and  more  and  gi-eater  may  in  regard  of  Avant  of 
Civill  Government,  his  Gratious  Ma*^''  ha\ing  hitherto  Setled 
no  Order  for  us  to  our  Knowledge. 


ItELATING    TO    NEW    HAMI^SHIRE. 


B7 


Wee  wli(jse  names  are  underwritten  being  Inhabitants  upon 
the  Eiver  Pascataquaek  have  vohmtarily  agreed  to  combine 
our  Selves  into  a  Body  Politique  that  wee  may  the  more 
comfortably  enjoy  the  benefit  of  his  Ma*'''*'  Lawes  And  do 
hereby  actually  engage  our  Selves  to  Submit  to  his  Royal 
Ma*'*^^  Lawes  together  with  all  such  Orders  as  shalbee  con- 
cluded by  a  Major  part  of  the  Freemen  of  our  Societ}' ,  in  case 
they  Ijee  not  repugnant  to  the  Lawes  of  England  and  ad- 
ministred  in  the  behalfe  of  his  Majesty. 

And  this  Ave  have  mutually  promised  and  concluded  to  do 
and  so  to  continue  till  his  Excellent  Ma*'"  shall  give  other 
Order  concerning  us. 

In  Witness  wee  have  hereto  Set  our  hands  the  two  and 
twentieth  day  of  October  in  the  Sixteenth  yeare  of  the  Keign 
of  our  Sovereign  Lord  Charles  by  the  grace  of  God  King  of 
Great  Brittain  France  c^'  Ireland  Defender  of  the  Faith  e'er. 
Annoqz  Uom'  ICAO. 


John  FoUett 
Robert  Nanney 
William  Jones 
Phillip  Swaddon 
Richard  Pinckhame 
Bartliolomew  Hunt 
William  Bowden 
John  Wastill 
John  Heard 
John  Hall 


Abel  Camond 
Henry  Beck 
Robert  Huggins 
TLom  Larkham 
Richard  Waldern 
William  Waldern 
William  Storer 
William  Furbur 
Tho.  Layton 
Tho.  Roberts 


Fran.  Champerno(ui  Edward  Starr 

Hansed  Knowles  James  Nute 

Edward  Cole  or  d  Anthony  Emery 

Henrv  Lahorn  Richard  Laham 


Bartholmew  Smith 
Samuel  Haines 
John  Underbill 
Peter  Garland 
John  Dam 
Steven  Teddar 
John  Ugroufe 
Thomas  Canning 
John  PhilHps 
Tho.  Dunstar 
William  Pomfret 
John  Cross 
George  Webb 
James  Rawlins 


This  is  a  true  copy  compared  with  y*'  Origin  all  b}'  me 

Edw  Cranfield. 

(Endorsed)     New  England  N  Hampshire     The   Combina- 
tion for  Government  by  y*^'  people  at  Pascatq  (16-10). 
Rec-i  ab'  13*^  Febr  8-i-3. 


38  I'.AKLV  DOCUMENTS 

COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  II,  No  36. 

4  July  1651.     Copie. 

Endorsement.     Mr.  Joseph  Mason's  Protest  against  Mr. 

Leader. 

By  vertue  of  a  Deputation,  or  Letter  of  Attorney  to  mee 
granted,  bearing  date  y''  3rd  of  Marcli  1650  by  Ann  Mason  of 
London,  Widdow,  tlie  lielict  of  Oapt"  John  Mason,  late  of 
London,  Esq"^  deceased  and  Sole  Executrix  of  his  last  Will  and 
Testament  Doe  hereby  Authorize  mee  Joseph  Mason  her  Idns- 
mau,  to  take  care  of  and  dispose  of  to  her  use  all  such  goods 
and  Lands  to  her  belonging,  w'^'^  were  her  said  husbands  in 
New  England  in  America,  by  him  possessed,  and  died  seized 
of  ;  and  in  order  thereuuto,  and  by  the  Power  to  me  granted  I 
doe  bereby,  and  in  her  behalf,  make  this  Protest  or  Declara- 
tion against  any  person  or  persons  whatsoever,  shall  entitle 
themselves  to  anj'  of  her  said  Lands  at  NcMechawannacke  or 
any  other  part  or  parcell  of  her  said  Lands  within  the  said 
River  of  Pascataway  or  to  cut,  sell,  carry  away  any  of  her  said 
Timber  Trees,  that  now  are  standing  or  gi-owing  upon  the 
same,  pr  to  convert  any  of  her  said  Lands  to  there  pro]ier  use, 
without  the  Consent,  Composition  or  Allowance  of  her  the 
said  Ann  Mason,  or  her  certaine  Atturney  first  had  and  ob- 
tained. And  fiu'ther  by  that  Authority  mee  given  I  doe  pro- 
test against  the  Proceedings  of  Mr.  Richard  Leader,  upon  her 
said  Lands  at  Newichawaunacke,  or  of  his  Buildings  there. 
And  doe  hereby  forewarn  liiui  or  his  Assigues  all  those  Lands 
or  Woods  w*^^  Hee  intrudes  upon,  without  Our  Consent  or  ap- 
probation first  had  or  obtained.     Dated  at  Pascataway,  the 

4th  of  July  1651  anno. 

P.  me  Joseph  Mason 

for  Mrs.  Ann  Mason  AVidd. 

(Endorsement  on  the  back  of  No.  35) : 
A  coppie   of  a    protest  made   on  Mrs.   Masons  Lands    at 

Newichawanock  against  the  procedinge  of  M'"  Richard  Leader 

whoe  hath  entered  uppon  it  w*''out  Consent. 
Dated  the  4th  of  July  1651. 


RELATING   TO    NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  39 

COLONIAL   STATE  PAPERS.     Vol.   11.     No    70. 
Province  of  Mayne  the  6th  of  November  1652. 

Right  Honourable. 

God  who  hath  made  all  nati(ms  of  one  ....  to  dwell 
upon  y''  face  of  the  earth,  And  hath  appointed  the  bounds  of 
their  habita  ....  By  his  pvidence  hath  designed  us  to 
possesse  and  inhabit  a  tracke  of  Land  part  of  y*^  Contment  of 
America,  called  y""  Province  of  Mayne  by  the  late  Kinge  in  his 
letters  Patteuts  to  S^  flfardinando  Gorge  for  the  Government 
of  the  same,  who  by  his  deputies  did  for  many  Yeares  exercise 
jurisdiccon  amongst  us,  Hee  at  lenght  dissertiuge  us  ;  ffor  our 

better  Eege Wee  were  forced  to  enter  into  a 

Combination  for  Governmen*  as  by  our  Remonstrance  &  Peti- 
tion to  your  Honnours  in  December  last  1651  more  at  large 
doth  appeare. 

Since  w'^'  time  takinge  notice  of  sundry  Acts  of  Parham'  the 
one  of  them  declareinge  all  the  Islands  S:  Planta  ...  in 
America  to  be  dependant  uppon  &  subordinat  to  ...  . 
Commonwealth  of  England.  And  in  obedience  thereon  wee 
have  taken  ye  Ingagement  to  tlie  same  and  ]iceede  accordingly 
in  keepinge  our  Courtes  A:  Issuinge  furth  .  .  .  warrants 
in  y"  name  of  the  Keepers  of  the  liberties   ....    England 

accordinge  to  an  act  beareing  date  the January 

1618. 

And  Conceaveinge  our  selues  to  l)e  mendjers  of  the  Co  . 
.  .  .  .  wealth  of  England,  thinke  it  our  boimd  in  duty  to 
yo\u'  Honors  an  Accoumpt  of  all  our  one  pceedings,  the 
pceedings  of  our  neighbours  of  the  Massetuss  .  .  .  wards 
ITS,  who  of  late  lay  ( Uaime  by  vertue  of  their  Pattent,  both  to 
y*' Government  (t  p})riety  of  the  ....  although  wee  haue 
quietly  possest  Improued,  And  ....  it  this  twenty  yeares, 
w'*'  themselues  haue  owned  By  severall  Letters  from  their 
Generall  Court,  as  dist  ....  from  them,  their  bounds 
beinge  formerly  sett  out  by  the  State  of  England  three  miles 
this  side  Merimake  River  W''  Comes  ffarr  short  of  this  Pro- 
vince severall  other  Pattents  lying  between  theirs  &  ours  who 


40  KAKLY   DOCUMENTS 

liaue  likewise  foiiiieiiy  exercised  Govermiieut  distinct  from 
them  now  therefore  onr  Huud)le  request  is  y^  yonv  himors  bee 
pleased  to  give  .A.udience  unto  our  Agent  M''  Eicluird  Leader 
whome  wee  have  Impowr'd  to  transact  in  our  affaires,  And  to 
whome  wee  humbly  deseire  you  to  manifest  your  favouis 
towards  us,  who  in  faithfulnesse  Remaine 
Yo'"  Houu'^  to  be  Commanded 

Edwaed  Godfuey  Gouer 
in  the  name  &  by  the  order  of  the  Generall  Court. 

(A  Portion  of  this  Document  is  missing.) 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  12.  No.  3. 

(1653.  M«ijQ.) 

To  the  Honored  the  Gouerno''  the  Deputy  Governor,  Magis- 
trats,  &  Deputyes  of  the  honnored  the  Generall  Court,  now 
assembled  in  Boston  the  six  of  May  1()53  etc 

Concerning   y*"  (Massachusetts)  proceedings   at    Strawbeny- 

bank. 

The  humble  petition  of  Joseph  Mason. 

HrMBLYE  sheweth  that  your  Petitioner,  is  employed  by 
Mistris  Ann  Mason,  Executrix  of  Captain  John  Mason  her 
deceassed  husliand,  who  with  others  his  associates  were 
interessed  in  certaine  lands  in  tliis  Country  of  New  England 
by  vertue  of  a  gi*ant  under  the  broad  seal  of  England  from 
his  Maiestye,  that  then  was  called  the  Laconia  Patent,  con- 
firmed upon  S""  ffardinando  Gorge,  and  Captain  John  Mason 
and  their  heirs  for  euer  tfor  diners  &  good  Considerations 
theriu  expressed  more  at  large  in  the  said  grant  will  appear. 
And  wlieras  uppon  Suruaying  those  Lands  (within  granted) 
being  at  Pascataquock  Alias  Pascataway  do  find  diuers 
Intrutiones  tt   incroachments   made  uppon   those   lands,  by 


liEJ>ATI.N(J    TO    NKW    HAMSPHIKK.  41 

the  iiihiiljitauts  of  Strawberry  Bauck,  «fc  others  molestiu^  our 
Teuaiites  and  dispossiu^  oi  our  lands  and  of  onr  Tennants 
Lauds  (which  for  sixteen  years  past)  was  j^ranted  unto  them 
l)y  lease  from  tlie  then  a<^ents  of  the  proprietors,  as  I  am 
read}'  to  make  appear  unto  this  honored  Court  our  iust  right 
cc  titell  to  the  ])'inises  and  off  our  great  Cost  <^'  charges  laid 
out  Upon  the  Erecting  A:  building  of  a  ffort  &  plantting  the 
same  witli  Ordinance  Musketts  and  all  manner  of  amunition 
fitting  for  dt^fence  of  the  said  Eiuer,  A:  built  other  houses  for 
iidiabitants  up])on  the  gi-eat  Hand,  and  was  really  possessed 
of  the  sanie,  and  so  haue  had  upon  that  great  Hand  and  other 
Hands  euer  since,  b}-  our  Tennants  that  renders  us  acknoAv- 
ledgment  (as  in  right  they  ought  to  do)  tt  keep  possessiim  for 
us,  as  unto  this  day  (notwithstanding  by  reason  of  l)ad  Agents 
our  ])ticular  bowses  haue  decaied  the  ffoit  ruined  A'  our 
Gunns  caried  away  (except  one  peece  of  Ordnance i  all  wicli 
was  at  the  cost  and  charges  of  those  forenamed  Proi)rietors 
S""  ffardinaudo  (lorge  &  Captain  John  Mason  &  their  associats, 
Avho  were  at  the  charges  <S:  had  a  magazine  of  all  manner  of 
Amunition  for  the  defence  of  the  same  liiuer,  that  was  ready 
at  the  great  house  for  to  furnish  the  Inhabitants  in  tinie  of 
Danger  Avhich  cost  the  said  Proprieto''^  many  a  thousand 
j)ounds  A'  now  u])on  examination  of  that  Estate,  can  find 
nothing  left,  but  the  bare  lauds  A'  the  monuments  of  ruine 
with  sundry  Incroachments  of  the  inhal^itants  of  Strawbeny 
Banck  (as  aforesaid)  upcm  the  said  lands  who  disposeth  of  the 
same  among  themselues  by  vertue  of  their  Township  (as  they 
p'tend  the  Authority  whereof  as  I  supose)  should  l)ee  derived 
from  this  honored  Court  A'  not  of  them  selues  and  therfore  in 
the  behalf  of  Mistris  Ann  Mason  Ar  the  rest  of  the  proprietors 
I  doe  here  hund^ly  addresse  my  self  for  remedye  they  haueing 
sustained  great  damages  by  thtir  intiulions  A:  disposals  of 
our  Lauds  as  aforesd  without  our  consent  And  for  the  better 
satisfaction  of  this  general  Court  in  point  of  Right  A'  titell 
unto  theise  lands,  with  other  possessions,  within  the  said 
Riuer  of  Pascataway  your  petioner  is  alwaies  redy  to  make 
appear  the  aforesaid  Proprietors  Eights  for  auoiding  future 
suites  in  law,  that  otlierAvise  may  arise  or  gi'ow  hereon. 

Your  Petion'"  humble  request  is,  that  this  honored  Court 


Jr2  EAKLY    DOCUMENTS 

would  he  pk'jiscil  to  take  into  Coiisideracon  the  great  wrongs 
iV-  damages  we  liaue  sustained  by  the  aforesaid  men  of  Straw- 
berry Bank,  tliat  they  may  be  called  to  account  for  their  so 
doing  and  if  so  be  that  any  of  them  desire  to  be  further  satis- 
tied  of  our  i)ropertye  or  iust  titell  unto  the  p^'mises,  that  then 
this  honored  Court  would  be  pleased  to  ap])oint  Comission"* 
that  liues  there  abouts  (and  I  will  under  fauor  of  this  honored 
Court )  nominate  others  in  the  behalfe  of  the  Proprietors,  that 
so  this  honored  Court  may  be  informed  of  the  truth  of  all  what 
is  li(ueby  desired,  that  due  Justice  A"  Right  may  be  rendered 
unto  us,  And  in  the  mean  time  I  huml)lye  desire,  that  timely 
notice  ma}-  be  giuen  unto  the  select  men  of  Strawberry  Bank 
that  they  act  no  further  by  their  pretended  power  as  aforesaid, 
and  your  petitioner,  as  in  Duty  lie  is  bound  shall  pray  for  your 
hapines  <t  welfare. 

(Endorsed)    A  Co})ie  of  the  Petition  giuen  into  y®  general! 
Court  Against  their  proceedings  at  Strbery  l)ancke  Arc. 
6  May.     1653. 


COLONIAL  STATE  PAPERS.  Vol.  13.  Xo.  79. 

(1059.) 

(Abstract  only) 

A  Printed  Petition 

To  the  Right  Honourable  the  Parliament  of  the  Common- 
wealth of  England  And  the  Dominions  thereto  belonging. 

The  Humble  Petition  of  Edward  Godfrey,  Oliyer  Godfrey, 
Farcliuad  Gorges,  Robert  Mason,  and  Edward  Rigby, 
Henry  Gardner,  and  sundry  other  Pattentees  and  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Proyinces  of  Mayne,  and  Liconia,  in  New 
England  : 

Most  Hund)ly  sheweth,  Sundry  of  your  Petitioners  haying 
bin  yersed  in  the  Oriental  parts  of  the  "World,  in  the  same 


llELATIXd    ']■()    NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  43 

Latitude,  as  NeAV  England  is  the  West,  hoping  to  lix  them, 
and  there  Posterities,  for  the  Honour  of  God  good  of  the 
Nation,  and  propagating  the  Gos]jel,  ^vith  hope  of  improve- 
ment for  future,  at  great  charges  procured  sundry  Patteiits  in 
the  parts  of  America  call'd  New  England ;  with  divers  privi- 
ledges  as  may  appear  :  possessed  themselves  of  divers  tracts, 
and  parcels  of  Land  k  so  forth    ^         -^         *         -  -         * 

It  recites  the  loss  of  =£100,000  <fc  relations  slain  by  the  Indians 

Godfrey  (one  of  the  Petitioners  being  75  years  of  age)  hopes 
for  some  redress  and  relief — expended  4  years  finds  the  cure 
as  bad  as  the  disease  ;  Served  his  Country  46  years  in  Civil 
Imployment  at  his  gTeat  charge  as  he  can  prove  &  is  not 
ashamed  of  his  poverty  <tc          -'  -  -  Desires  that 

the  Business  may  be  taken  into  Consideration  for  the  Honour 
of  God  etc  -^  "^  ^  \^[^  Proceedings  and  Collections 
of  55  years  Pilgi'image  may  be  made  manifest ;  and  the  rather 
as  he  most  humbly  conceives,  there  is  matters  of  high  concern- 
ment of  State  Involved  in  it. 

From  Newfound  land,  to  Cape  Florida,  he  hath  the  Mapps, 
and  Cards  of  his  own,  French,  Dutch,  and  English,  of  which 
at  present  these  few  some  observations  or  notes  : 

(5  In  number)  *         ^         *         -;:-         t:-         ^:-         *         -rj 

And  your  Petitioners  <fcc 
(foot  note  in  manuscript) 

(Endorsed)  A  Petition  of  Mr.  Godfrey  concerning  his 
Interests  in  New  England.  This  was  after  Richard  Cromwell 
was  out. 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol. .     Page  155  B. 

(1660.     March  14.) 

Consaring  the  Regment  of  New  England  for  his  Ma'''  best 
securitv  k  safest  waie  as  I  humblv  concent  In  Regai'd  I  know 


44  KAKLY   DOCUMENTS 

the  Cuutery  fvoni  the  i'yrst  diseouery  lost  my  iierest  rehi- 
tion  slaine  by  the  Indians  &  hauing  faithfully  at  my  owne 
Charge  sarued  the  Cuntery  25  years  by  a  DnV)le  Kecog- 
uisence  my  oath  to  (xod  my  descression  experience  cV:  tidelyty 
Confided :  w''^  prased  bee  God  I  pformed  tell  Elected  by  the 
Mathesusets  yo"  know  in  pt  my  onely  sonne  his  lose  &  time 
ther  spent  2  viages  A:  Coming  for  to  Transport  his  wyfe  A: 
fl'amyly  heereing  of  My  Rueu  Abeds  yot  heer  I  psume  to  give 
yo"  this  few  lynes. 

lever  fold  yo"  that  Pascottoicaie  Riuev  d-  the puiiice  <)f  Mayne 
is  (f  more  conmrxemeitt  to  his  Ma''-'  for  trad  psent  d'  ffutuer  ic"" 
diseouery  of  the  Cuntery  then  all  Xeir  England  hesids  &  other 
reasons  as  by  the  mappes  may  appeer  irheatlier  it  hee  not  ffitting 
?/'  A  Generall  Gou''  should  Qoe  the  /'xrisdivtion  of  those  Esteni 
p'*  may  not  he  Beguhdid  hy  Couiifion  as  fonnly  30  yeares  u"'  out 
Conipldnt  ther  or  heer  nor  nenucr  questioned  till  1652  Boston 
would  hee  A  free  stat  And  Sunder y  Pcdteuts 

1.  The  distance  ny  80  myles  dangerus  by  sea  6:  in  the 
wynter  not  pregnable  for  diners  reasons  as  snow  wading  &c 

2.  It  Avill  discourridg  any  pnbliqe  sperited  men  to  undertake 
the  like  action  -•  -•  *  -:,  *  ^^^^^,  30 
yeares  to  bee  debarred  of  ther  p^'  ueleges. 

3.  His  Ma*'^'  will  haue  more  power  over  both  the  one  to  bee 
Instrumentall  to  keepe  the  other  in  its  dew  obedience. 

4.  It  will  Cause  An  Humlation  who  shall  giue  the  best  acc° 
of  the  actions  to  the  Supreme  power  one  w*^^''  all  Pattents  de- 
pend. 

5.  Some  of  the  Pattents  haue  there  Relation  heer  Sc  for  ex- 
traction long  experience  in  the  Cuntery  Equall  w*^  any  in 
Boston  And  haue  euer  acted  for  his  Ma'^  Interest  haue  Pat- 
tents Com*"^  lirendly  &  now  lining  ar  C*a])*  Henery  Joseline 
Cap*  fii'ancis  Champernone  M""  Tho.  Jourdan  An  Orthodox 
deuine  for  the  Church  of  England  A:  of  great  pt^"  A'.  Estate 
M*"  Jo.  Gefford  goeth  this  yeare  M^:  Jospeth  Mason  ther  for 
Ed  Godfrey  hee  is  to  ould  to  acte  yet  Oliuer  Godfrey  his  sonne 
«fe  granghild  being  well  versed  in  the  Cunter  y^  landed  will 
w*''  the  psidente  of  Ed  Godfrey  assist   to  the   Uttermost  ther 


UELATIXG  TO   NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  45 

life  &  power  Excuse  uiy  bouldnes  being  Yo'"  euer  obliged  ser- 
uaiit  to  bee  Comded 

Ed  Godfkey 

(Endorsed)  14  March  IGGO  The  Informatirm  of  M'  Edward 
Godfi-ey  sometimes  Govern'"  of  the  Province  of  Mavne  Con- 
cerning the  Consequence  of  that  Province  And  the  usurpation 
of  the  Bostoners 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol. .     Page  168. 

(1663.     April  7.) 

Letter  from   M''    Godfrey  to  M''  Povey   ab'  a  discription   of 

y*"  proAance  of  Maine. 
Ho  Sir 

I  haue  firendly  wrot  yo"  A  breefe  description  of  the  pyince 
of  Mayne  how  it  standeth  att  p^sent  Know  as  Cohimbus 
offered  the  descouery  of  the  West  India  to  Hener}'  the  7*^^ 
yo"  ar  att  present  offered  a  tracte  of  Land  all  reddy  discouered 
&  in  p'  populated  w^^  English  w''^  for  ffutuer  &,  descoury  is  of 
more  Consarnement  then  any  pt  of  America  as  yet  setteled 
and  by  the  English  &  that  yo"  may  haue  p^'sent  pfitt  Av'^^out 
s'*  Charge  Honor  &  Good  to  yo^  selues  v,'^^  jo^  &  my  lord 
Roberts  sonne  M''  Hende  Glory  to  god  gave  to  his  Ma"  beny fit 
to  y°'"selues  &  good  to  the  whole  Cuntery  send  but  for  Gorges 
to  M'"  ftrances  lutterells  att  Grase  In  &  taulke  w*^  him,  you 
will  fynd  him  a  man  not  Capal)le  of  such  a  great  busines  to 
bee  the  undoing  of  soe  many  loyall  subiects  &  suffer  thos  ptes 
of  the  w''^  tell  1652  had  euer  lined  according  to  his  Ma^'Lawes 
as  by  the  Report  yo"  know  &  y**  hand  testifieth  l)ut  now  is 
mad  a  Recepticle  of  thos  of  Heugli  Peeter  :  Vane  Yener  : 
Baker  :  Portter  who  to  auoyd  ther  p^'cipies  fly  theather  (cou 
sacra  in  Sacro)  for  shelter  &  keep  us  Loyall  subiects  out  of  our 
Liheritanc  after  30  yeares  possetion  soe  deerly  l)ought  now  in 
Great  Mystery  ex(!ept   God  rayes  ffrends  I  humblie   desyer 


46  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

yo"  to  taulke  -w^''  my  Lord  iU)berts  soiiiio  M''  Hcnde  ct  that  I 
may  kuow  y""  resolution  though  Gorges  Grandes  haue  Phinderd 
my  liouse  in  New  EngLmd  S:  possesed  them  sehies  of  most  of 
my  Collections  Kecords  p'sidents  &  pays  of  oo  yeares  trauell 
I  haue  sufiicient  heer  to  Guid  A  Right  Course  and  settell 
those  p^'  as  frendly  to  any  reasonable  man  &:  that  w"'out 
Id  Charges  but  p'sent  pfit  to  the  undertakers  I  humbly  Craue 
two  words  in  Andswer  &  Rest. 

Yo'"  saruant  to  bee  Comded 

Edward  Godfrey. 
Ludgat  A.D.  7  Aprill  63. 

Att  the  Cloosing  hereof  nuse  is  l)r()Ught  mee  that  one 
M"^  Nicoles  belonging  to  the  Duke  of  York  is  to  goe  for  New 
England  w"^^''  yf  you  may  Informe  him  of  me  I  haue  all 
passeges  of  40  yeares  in  that  Cuntery  will  shewe  him  & 
yo"  wliat  is  needful  therein. 

(Addressed)  fFor  the  Right  Worship'  Thomas  Pouey  thes 
p''sent 

(Endorsed)  Lett"  from  M'"  Godfi-ey  to  M''  Povey  7'^^  Aprill 
1663. 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol. .     Page  260. 

(1665.     Jxne  IS.) 

To  Col''  NichoUs. 
Honora'^'''  8'' 

May  it  please  you  yesterday  was  seuennight  to  being 
y('  j^Qtb  ^,f  June  the  Court  adiourned  till  October  the  last  thing 
they  did  was  the  making  an  order,  that  the  Courts  usually  by 
them  kept  at  pascataway  and  in  the  prouince  of  Maine  should 
be  soe  still  continued  and  that  none  should  take  any  notice  of 
any  other  authority  but  theirs  and  to  that  purpose  we  find 
orders  giuen  in  euery  place  wee  come. 


DELATING   TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  47 

The  11"^  of  Jiine  we  began  o^'  journey  to  the  eustAvards,  at 
Salem  were  nobly  treated  by  Cap*  Curwin  and  M''  Browne 
and  sould  soe  also  liane  been  by  others  if  wee  had  stayed, 
from  thence  wee  went  for  Ipswich  where  by  maior  Deniuson, 
Clip'  Appleton  and  others  wee  Avere  gallantly  entertaind  wee 
staid  there  but  one  night,  and  the  next  day  wee  Avent  to 
Newbury  and  thence  the  same  night  8'"  Rob'  and  Collonell 
CartAvright  Avent  to  Hampton  three  miles  beyound  the  Massa- 
chusets  bound  liouse,  I  lodged  at  Salisbury  5  miles  short  of  it, 
the  next  morning  Avee  mett  and  went  to  the  place  Avhere  the 
Bound  liouse  stood  and  then  to  Hampton  where  wee  were 
uerywell  entertained  and  made  extreame  Avellcome  being  mett 
at  the  townes  end  by  both  the  horse  and  foote  the  next  day 
Avee  AA'ere  accompanied  out  againe  in  the  same  manner  the 
inhabitants  expected  Avee  sliould  haue  declared  them  fi'eed 
from  the  Massachusets  Gouernement  and  that  AA^ee  Avould  haue 
established  his  Ma*^  authority  among  them,  from  thence  AA'ee 
Avent  to  pascataAvay  Avhere  wee  yet  remaine  and  shall  two  or 

three  dayes much  of  the  time  spent  in  inquiring 

into  M^'  Masons  right  to  the  Cou  ....  of  Hampshire  wee 
find  most  of  the  peo])le  to  acknoAAdedge  M''  Masons  r  .  .  .  . 
and  that  liee  is  the  true  lord  proprietor  of  this  prouince 
allthough  the   Massachusets    haue    subiected   it  under  their 

Jurisdiction    and   haue the    inhabitants    to    take 

titles  fi'om  them  hauiug  disposed  of  the as  they 

think  fitt  as  also  the  houses  built  by  Cap*-  Mason  and 
afor  .  .  .  .  ."  .  the  mouth  of  this  Eiuer  Avhich  is  uoaa'  in 
their  possession,  here  are  seuerall  persons  yet  lining  that 
Avere  serA^ants  to  C^ap*  Mason  and  shcAved  us  many  things 
that  hee  had  done,  among  others  Cap*-  Joceline  Avho  had  been 
for  seuerall  years  his  Agent  here  gaue  us  an  acco"  in  par- 
ticular of  tlie  Avhole  matter  and  of  the  manner  of  the  Massa- 
chusets encroachments  Avhich  is  now  too  tedious  to  relate. 

Wee  summoned  the  inhabitants  of  Doner  Exeter  and  other 
townes  to  attend  us  at  this  place,  to  heare  his  Maj*-''  letters 
read,  and  although  they  Avere  commanded  by  the  Massachusets 
not  to  giue  any  obedience  to  summons,  and  also  forbid  by  such 
oflUcers  as  they  had  sent  hither  to  appeare  at  their  perill  yet 
the  peo])le  came  generally  in  from  all  parts  and  sheAA'ed  us 


48  EAKLY    DOCUMENTS 

uery  great  respect  and  expressed  much  lo to  his 

Maj'''our  entertaiueinent  liere  hath  been  uery  noble  and  .... 
"When  wee  haue  done  here  wee  shall  goe  oner  the  Riuer  into 

t of  ]\Iaine  and  soe  onwards. 

I  lleniaine 

S'"  Your  humble  Seniant 

Samuell  Ma"\tjiicke. 

Portsmouth  at  Pascataway  June  18th  1665 

N.  B  The  original  Document  is  partly  missing  Aceouutg  for 
blanks 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  .     Page  172. 

(1665.     Jul  II.) 

To  the   Hono''''^'  his  Ma*'''^  Commission''*  for  the   atiaires    of 
New  England  in  America  tVc. 

The  Peticon  of  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  Portesmouth 
and  Straw])erry  Bank,  Humbly  sheweth 
That  whereas  yo''  peticoners  for  severall  years  last  i)ast  have 
bin  kept  under  the  Gov'nm*  of  the  Massachusets  by  an  usurped 
power  Avliose  laws  are  derogatory  to  the  laws  of  England  un- 
der Avhich  power  five  or  six  of  the  ritchest  men  of  this  parish 
have  ruled  swaied  and  ordered  all  offices  botli  civill  it  mili- 
tary at  their  pleasures,  none  of  yo*'  Hono*'"  i)eticonrs  tliough 
Loyall  subjects,  k  some  of  them  well  acquainted  Avith  the 
Laws  of  England,  durst  make  any  opposition  for  feare  of  great 
fines  or  long  im])risonment  and  for  want  of  estates  could  not 
peticon  home  to  his  Ma*'*^  for  relief,  wliich  the  contrary  party 
well  kuoweth,  have  kei)t  us  under  hard  servitude,  and  denyed 
us  in  our  publique  meeting  the  C'onniion  prayer  Sacrani*'*  and 
decent  buriall  of  the  dead  contrary  to  the  Laws  of  England 
<t  his  Ma*-'^''  Ire  sent  by  Simon  Ihoadstreet,  Ar  John  Norton  in 
tlie  yeare  166*2.     And  not  only  so  but  have  also  denied  us  the 


KKLATING    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 


49 


benefit  of  freemen,  contiaiy  to  bis  Ma*'''*'  said  letter  and  Hke- 
wise  at  tbe  election  of  officers  tlie  aforesaid  l)arty  or  tbe 
greatest  part  of  tbeui  bave  always  kept  tbemselves  in  offices 
for  tbe  mauageing  of  tbe  gifts  of  lands  &  setling  tbem,  wbereby 
yo''  ])etic(n]ers  are  not  only  disal)led  but  also  descora-aged  for 
continuance  in  tbe  i)lantation,  <t  bare  engrosed  tbe  greatest 
part  of  tbe  lands  -vvitbin  tbe  precints  k  limits  of  tbis  planta- 
tion into  tbeire  owne  bands  and  otlier  bcmest  men  tbat  bave 
been  bere  a  considerable  time  bave  no  lands  at  all  given  tbem, 
and  some  tbat  bave  bad  lands  given  S:  laid  ont  to  tbem,  tbe 
said  contrary  party  bave  deso\\ued  tbe  grants,  and  laid  it  out 
to  otbers. 

Tbe  j)remisses  considered,  we  bope  your  Houo''-  will  take  it 
under  yo'"  jirolection,  and  government  Ar  rectifie  tbose  mis- 
cariages,  tbat  tbereby  bis  Ma*'""  Loyall  SuV)jects  may  pertake 
of  all  sucb  priviledges,  <k  liberties,  as  liis  Ma''''*  gratious 
j)leasure  batb  bin  pleased  to  confer  upon  bis  Subjects  in  for- 
raigne  plantacons  and  tbat  tbereby  we  may  be  the  more 
stiired  up  to  gloritie  God  for  bis  mercies  towards  us  in  releas- 
ing us  out  of  sucb  gTeat  servitude  A:  tirany,  <t  your  peti- 
coners  sball  always  pray  for  your  Hono'**  bappiness  in  tbis 
life,  cV:  eternall  felicitie  in  tbe  life  to  come. 


tirancis  Cbampernowne 
Abrabaui  Corbet 
John  Pickering 
Antbony  Bracket 
ffrancis  Drake 
James  Jobnson 
Jobn  Sberborue    ' 
Xatb.  Drake 
Edward  Clark 
Sam:  Ifernalle 
ifrau.  lian 
Jobn  Partridg 
William  Cotten 
Pvicbard  Sloper 
George  Wallis 
Mark  Huidviug 
Jobn  Jobnson 


Jobn  Berry 
Jobn  lirost 
Josepli  Attkinson 
Jobn  Jones 
Henry  Savage 
ffrancis  Jones 
William  Hearle 
Tbomas  Avery 
George  Walton 
Sam.  Roby 
Edw:  West 
Georg.  Gray 
Tbom:  ffallingsby 
Jobn  Tanner 
George  Drake 


50 


EXllLY   DOCUMENTS 


The  parties  we  peticou  against  are 
Joshua  Mootly  M"^ 
Eich  Cutt 
John  Cutt 
Elias  Stylemau  [-  Merch*^ 

Nathaniel  ffryer 
Bryan  Pendleton 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol 


Pagk  171. 


(1665.     JnIi/  26. 

Praying  to  be  freed  from  y*'  Jurisdiction  of  y*-  Massachusetts 

To  the  Kiniis  most  Excellent  Ma''*^ 


Tlie  humble  peticon  of  the  inhal)itants  of  Portesmouth  and 
Strawberry  Bank  Doner:  Exiter  and  Hampton.  Humbly 
sheweth 

That  yo'  Ma*'*^*"  peticoers  were  much  transported  w*''  io}-  and 
hope  of  settlem'  A^  hen  they  heard  of  the  care  yo''  Matie  had  of 
these  plautacions  in  New  England  and  had  heard  the  power 
^ych  j^r  ]\jj^tie  jjj^j^  giuen  yo''  Commissio"'  for  the  appointing  of 
bounds  and  gou^m*  amongst  us  here  But  yo'"  Maties  peti- 
coers find  to  theire  great  greife  that  the  Masaehusetts  Denying 
that  authorytie  wh''^  yo'"  Matie  gaye  yo'"  Commission''^  hath 
hindered  us  from  that  good  w'''  Mere  Expected  from  those 
Commissio'" 

Wherefore  yo""  Maties  peticoers  humbly  desire  that  yo*' 
Ma''*"  would  be  gratiously  pleased  to  take  them  into  yo'"  Royall 
pteccon  and  gonrnm*  and  ioyne  them  to  the  pyince  of  Meyne 
that  they  may  be  gov''''  hy  the  knowne  lawes  of  England 
and  enioy  the  nse  of  Ijoth  the  sacramts  w''^  they  haue  l>in 
too  depriued  of.     And   as  in   all  duty  bound,   yo""  peticoers 


RELATING    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE. 


51 


shall  dayly  pray  for  the  increase   of 
you  ariue  at  the  heanenly  kingdouie 


all  earthly  hono""  untill 


ffran  Champernowne 
Edward  Hilton 
Abra  Corbet  t 
John  foulshani  signum 
Marke  MH  Hanc-lvii]<vs 

signimi 
Thomas  FT  Walford 
Henerie  Sherburne 
ffrances  Gray 
Gorg  Iraf 
Nath  Drake 
Joseph  Atkinson 
John  Shirborne 
Antlio:  Brackett 
the  nike  of  liran:  +  lian 
John  Jackson 
Walter  Abetts  mke  + 
Phesaut  Eastwick 
William  Seavey 
the  ndve  of  AYilliam  +  Zearle 
John  Webster 
Signum  John  +  Jones 
Signum  ti'rances  +  Jones 
llichard  Hcamond 
Signum  W^ilham  +  Cotton 
John  Widdon 

Signum  Samuell  +  Whiddon 
James  Jones 
Thomas  ifooteman 
Kobt  Watson 
Dauid  Hammedleton 
James  Harben 
Phillip  Chasley 
Patrick  Jameson 
Daniell  Blake 
Symon  Lea 
James  Oare 
Jam  Smith 


the  mke  of  +  James  Johnson 

Robert  Biirnum 

Eichard  Slo})er 

Edward  West 

the  mke  of  John  -\-  Pickering  sen 

John  PotteU 

the  mke  of  FD  ffrances  Drake 

Jo.  Tanner 

Patrick  Denmark 

Will  Jones 

Thomas  Rol)erts  Sen 

Ralph  Termly 

Tho  Hanson 

James  Necotli 

James  Buncker 

Will  ffollett 

John  Godard 

Robert  Heden 

Ben  Hull 

John  Yorke 

Richard  Yorke 

John  Hilton 

John  Huuckiug 

Tho:  Auery 


Vera  Copia 

Attested  by  me 

Abra  Corbett 

(Endorsed)     The  Peticon  of 
the  Inhabitants   of  the   East- 
ward parts  to  his  Majestie 
26  July  1665 


52  EAKJA    DOCIMENI'S 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42.     Pack  RfiS. 

(1()()7.     .1A///20.) 
AVovtli)'  liretaul 

I  luiue  rec'  from  y  hands  of  c-oll'  Ricluinl  Nii-liolls(Toneriio'" 
of  all  tlie  Territoryes  of  New  Eiigluiid  in  America  niider  the 
D'uke  of  Yorke  t'  ])atteiis  and  ])()\veis  ginen  him  by  thyself 
who  hath  also  im}io\veied  me  to  take  care  of  thy  whole  estate 
of  Land  in  the  said  pattent  contained  in  cmh'r  theruuto  haue 
made  claime  in  thy  behalf  in  all  the  ToAvnes  within  the 
Limitts  of  New  Ham|)shire,  the  Inhabitants  wherof  parts  of 
them  are  willin*;'  to  comply  others  are  discouraged  to  the  Con- 
trary byCa])"  Eichard  AValderne  Peter  C'uftin  and  some  others 
inhabitants  Avithin  the  said  pnmince,  and  encouraging  many 
to  stick  to  the  Gouernem'  of  the  Massacliusetts,  themselues 
ha.iiug  gotten  greate  Tracts  of  Lnnd,  and  in  the  most  Eminent 
Places  within  the  said  Pattent  into  their  oAvne  hands  fearing 
least  should  be  called  to  accompt  therfore  my  aduice  and 
Councill  is  y^  you  use  all  tireinds  and  deligence  for  the  confir- 
macon  of  the  said  Pattents,  bounded  and  limited  by  o'"  Kings 
which  if  not  done  the  Massacliusetts  will  assuredly  continue 
their  power  of  Gouernem*  and  if  soe  then  thou  cannot  expect 
any  proulitt  to  accrew  out  of  the  same  butt  if  this  be  attained 
from  the  King,  I  Question  not  but  to  bring  it  in  few  years  to 
a  very  valuable  estate.  On  the  shipp  the  greate  Duke  of 
Yorke  are  Loaden  Seauerall  Masts  which  were  cutt  and  taken 
of  thy  property.  Seauerall  Testimonys  under  the  hand  of  one 
of  o''  Kings  Justices  of  the  peace  in  theprouince  of  Maine  who 
is  well  knowne  to  Coll  Cartright  which  testimonyes  are  for 
this  end  to  enable  thee,  by  arresting  the  said  Masts  to  bring 
the  said  Walderne  and  Peter  Cofl&n  to  a  Tryall  in  England  for 
their  soe  cutting  and  caiTying  away  the  Masts  aforesaid 
whereby  due  Satisfaccon  may  be  made  thee,  I  haue  required 
Satisfacon  from  them  for  their  soe  doing  but  will  not  yeeld 
comi)lyance  in  any  kind  Avhereupon  I  signified  unto  them  as 
by  this  enclosed  you  nmy  perceaue,  if  this  Shij)!)  departe 
not  to  suddenly  I  may  send  further  Testimony,  but  howeuer 
you  may  ex])('ct  it  by  the  next,  and  therefore  desire  you  would 
make  what  progress  you  can  for  the  speedy  ex])editing  and 


lIKr.ATlNd    TO    NEW    HA.MrSHli;!'..  58 

effecting  of  wliat  is  before  mentioned,  I  Lane  likewise  sent  to 
\ho  (xenneiall  Conrts  of  Boston  to  infoinie  tliem  of  my  j)Ower 
but  as  yet  have  had  noe  answer,  a  Coppy  of  w^hich  is  Hkewise 
lieer  enclosed  if  ha])j)ily  you  shall  attaine  to  the  contirmacon 
of  thy  patte]it.  1  aduise  y*  tiiou  comissionate  some  persons 
heer"  for  currvin*^- on  the  (xcmi'rnmMhei'eof  ;is  thou  shalt  be 
a  luistnl  by  Council!  Some  ])ersons  were  desired  by  thy  Kins- 
man to  1)e  nominated  Ijefore  his  departure  hence  a  list  wherof 
was  giuen  thy  said  Kinsman  Joseph  Mason  who  is  now  bound 
tor  England  in  the  Greate  Duke  of  Yorke,  whose  names  I  alsoe 
thinke  good  to  mention,  yiz*-  Henry  Jocelyne  esq'-  Nicholas 
Shapleigh  march*-  Caj)*  tfraucis  Champernowne,  Edward  Hil- 
ton Abraham  Corbett  and  Thomas  ftboteman  if  (Nnmcill  shall 
aduise  antl  you  thinke  good  therof  to  joyne  thy  Gouernmt*-  to 
the  prouince  of  Maine,  which  will  be  a  strengthing  to  thy 
authority  heer  against  all  op})osition.  Thou  may  doe  well  to 
im])ower  Some  (me  heer  to  take  care  of  thy  interest  within  the 
j)rouince  of  Maine  which  if  timely  looked  after  may  prone  very 
l)roulitable  unto  thee  thus  wishing  thee  true  happiness  and 
good  Success  in  the  accompleshm*-  of  these  affaires.  I  bid 
thee  farewell  and  am 

Thy  assured  ffreind 

Nic:  Shapleigh. 
Passcataway  20th  May  10()7 

(Endorsed)     Being  Advice  to  31''  Mason  of  the  State  of  his 
Province ;  and  Mhat  may  bee  necessarye  to  Establish  it. 
Passcattaway  20th  May  1(567.     Nicholas  Shapleigh 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Yol.  43.     Page  3S. 

(1()71,   Dccniil.cr  11.) 

Mr.  Mason's  Ace'  of  the  Comodities  of  Ncav  Hampshire 
Pieced  Del/  lfi71. 

New  Hampshire  in  New  England  is   a  place   the   best   im- 


54  i:Ain,Y  documknts 

proued  for  Land  and  niDst  po])iilated  oi  any  in  those  partes 
abounding  plentifully  with  Corne  cattle  Timber  ffish  A:  the 
people  Line  generally  very  comfortably  and  happy  hauing  a 
greate  Trade  to  all  partes  Store  of  Shipi)ing  of  their  Towne 
which  exportes  and  Importes  Yearely  some  Thousands  of 
Tonus  of  goods  of  their  owne  growth  and  fforraigne  which 
neuer  pays  any  eustome  to  the  King  but  some  small  dutys  to 
ye  Massachusetts  Bay  which  if  lookt  after  would  amount  to 
a  gi'eate  Improuemeiit  at  least  fi'oure  Thousand  pounds  p  anno 
which  a})peares. 

Goods  ex[)()rted  Yearely 

Twenty  Thousand  Tonus  of  Deales  S:  \ni)e  Staues 

Tenue  Thousand  Quintalls  of  ffish 

Tenne  ships  h)ads  of  masts 

Heauerall  Thousand  of  Beauer  &  Otter  Skins 

Imported 

Three  hundred  Tonus  of  AVine  and  Brandy 

Two  hundred  Tonus  of  goods  fro  Leew^ard  Islands 

Two  Thousand  Tonus  of  Salt. 

In  referrence  to  each  mans  Lands  every  person  Avould  be 
without  doul)t  wilhng  to  take  new  Leases  tiud  pay  the  Lord 
Proprietor  a  Quitt  Rent  with  a  ffine  downe  according  to  such 
mans  capacity  prouided  they  might  have  a  finaU  confirmation 
which  would  amount  unto  a  very  considerable  sume. 

The  Income  of  the  Saw  Mills  at  Newichewanock  is  very 
considerable  they  paying  200"^  p  anno  for  priueledge  of  Com- 
mon. 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42.    No.  139. 

(1671  5.     March.) 

Title  of  Robert  Mason  to  New  Hampshire. 

King  James  of  Bh^ssed  Memory  being  very  intent  in  Es- 
tablishing Englisli  Collonyes  in  America  did  in  the  yeare 
1016  send  John  Mason  Esq*'  to  Newfoundland  to  settle  that 


RELATING    To    NEAV    HAMPRHI];K.  55 

Country  appoiutiiig  him  Goueriiour  wlio  continued  there 
about  Tavo  jeares  and  having  reed  orders  from  His  Maj'*'"  to 
visit  y^  parte  of  America  now  called  New  England,  who  to- 
geather  with  8*"  fferdinando  Gorges  made  a  voyage  along  \^ 
Coaste  in  An"  lf519.  and  att  their  returne  for  England  gaue 
his  Maj''*"  a  satisfactory  acco"  both  of  their  voyage  and 
Country. 

His  Maj'''  theirupon  in  the  year  1()2()  by  his  Koyall  Charter 
Granted  unto  diuerse  of  the  principall  Nobility  of  his  Majties 
most  honourable  })riuie  Councill  and  sundry  other  persons  of 
ijuality  by  the  name  of  the  Councill  of  New  England,  All  the 
land  in  America  lyeing  betwixt  the  Degi'ees  of  ft'ourty  and 
ticmrty  eight  northerly  latitude  to  them  their  lieyres  and  as- 
signes  for  ever  to  be  held  in  ffee  with  many  lioyall  })riuiledges 
A'  imunityes  only  ])aying  to  his  Maj*"'  his  He^Tes  and  succes- 
sors one  fifth  paite  of  all  the  Oare  of  gould  and  siluer  which 
should  at  any  time  be  found  up(m  the  said  Lands. 

The  said  Councill  of  New  England  the  better  to  ]»lante 
])eople  and  improue  y*  Countrve  did  deuide  the  same  into 
severall  prouinces  and  selling  the  same  to  Sundry  persons 
and  for  the  more  encouragem*  did  graunte  unto  them  the 
same  Eoyall  tJianchises  which  were  grauuted  to  the  Councill 
amongst  which  the  aforesaid  John  Mason  was  the  first  unto 
whome  a  pattent  was  gi'anted  for  a  large  Tract  of  Land  which 
afterwards  was  enlarged  and  is  now  called  New  Hampshire. 

(1020.)  John  Mason  Esq""  grandfather  to  Eobert  Mason  by 
vertue  of  Seauerall  Grants  in  the  yeares  1620,  1629  and  1635 
nuxde  unto  him  by  the  Councill  of  New  England  was  instated 
in  a  large  prouince  in  New  England  by  the  name  of  New 
Ham])shire. 

The  said  John  Mason  did  immediately  expend  greate  sunjs 
of  money  in  i)r()uiding  all  necessary  materialls  for  jieopling 
planting  and  improueing  his  Prouince  sending  ouer  many 
Servants  and  Artisans  for  building  houses  and  raising  fibrti- 
fications  furnishing  them  with  Store  of  Amies  and  Artillery 
both  greate  and  small  for  defence  and  protection  of  his 
Tenants  and  Seruants  against  the  incursions  of  the  Indians, 
and  appointed  for  his  first  Steward  or  Goueino''  Ca])t"  Walter 
Neale  who  continued  to  1()33. 


56  EAKLV    DOCUMENTS 

(1633. )  To  liim  succeeded  C'apt"  Henry  Jocehne  hvlio  is  yett 
lining  and  a  Justice  of  the  peace  in  y*  County,  at  "which  time 
by  the  encoui'a«>eni^  <i;iven  to  the  phmteis  y*  prouince  bcj^an  to 
be  very  well  }ieopled,  many  good  houses  and  saw  mills  built, 
the  peoi)le  liueing  in  greate  Security  and  good  Correspou- 
dance  with  the  Indians,  the  said  Cajit"  Jocelyne  continued 
his  Gouerem*  to  the  yeare  1638.  before  which  time  John 
Mason  Dyes  having  exjiended  upwards  of  Twenty  Thousand 
pounds — leaning  his  widow  Sole  Executrix  and  to  enjoye  th"e 
proulitts  of  y'  Estate  during  the  minority  of  his  Grandsoune 
Eobert 

( 1638. )  Theii  Capt"  fltrances  Norton  was  sent  over  as  Steward 
(by  Anne  Mason  the  Executrix  of  John  Mason)  who  exercised 
y'  office  very  unfaithfullv  to  the  yeare  1650  before  which  time 
the  Inhabitants  mightily  encreasing  and  greate  numbers  dayly 
arriuing  from  England  by  reason  of  the  late  Ciuil  Wars  ninny 
whereof  were  persons  of  good  Quality  and  Estates  did  about 
the  yeare  1646  forme  themselues  into  towneshijjps. 

(1650.)  To  him  folloAved  Joseph  Mason  sent  by  the  aforesaid 
Anne  Mason  to  settle  and  gouerne  y*  prouince,  who  continued 
in  y^  Country  to  the  yeare  1667  and  hauing  orders  to  call  the 
aforesaid  Norton  to  acco"  who  had  for  many  yeares  detained 
the  rents  and  ju'ouitts  of  }'*  Province,  disposed  of  the  Stock 
and  cattle  to  his  owne  use  and  others  of  his  confederates,  The 
said  Joseph  Mason  did  proceed  against  Norton  and  his  Ct)ni- 
plices  according  to  Law  by  Action  of  Trespass  to  be  tryed 
within  the  said  County.  Issueing  out  of  Writts  in  the  name  of 
Anne  Mason  (The  Royall  name  not  sufltered  to  be  used)  the 
said  Norton  and  many  of  his  part}'  were  cast  in  greate  Sums 
of  money  Wherupon  the  said  offenders  went  into  the  Collony 
of  the  Massuchusetts  to  avoid  payment  of  their  just  del)ts, 
and  for  their  better  Shelter  and  protection  did  enter  them- 
selves Churchmembers  of  the  Congregation  in  Boston,  Who 
combining  with  some  others  of  as  bad  principles  with  them- 
selves to  expell  their  Lawfull  Lord  did  unite  and  encourage 
the  Massachusetts  to  seize  upon  the  prouince  of  Hampshire 
while  the  Heyre  was  under  age  being  thereunto  countenanced 
and  encouraged  by  M^'-  firost  then  Secretary  to  the  usurpers 
then  in  England,  with  others  of  y*  party  Which  councills  well 


KELATINCl     TO    NEW    HAMPHHIKE.  57 

suiting  with  their  ainbitions  dcsignes  of  iiiakii)g  thciiiselues  a 
ffree  State  did  in  the  yeare.  1652  in  a  hostile  manner  inuade 
tli(!  C'Ounty  of  Hampshire  compelling  the  Loyall  Inhabitants 
to  a  Submission  imposing  Taxes  upon  tbem  for  to  supporte 
their  new  accpiired  greatness  and  requiring  the  said  Joseph 
Mastm  to  give  the  said  Norton  and  others  discharges,  Setting 
u])  against  the  proprietor  many  vexatious  suites  for  pretence 
of  Trespasses  connuitted  by  some  of  the  seruants  of  Jn"  Ma- 
son neare  Thirt}'  years  before  And  upon  designe  to  compell 
the  Hevre  to  complye  with  their  Usurped  power  and  to  resigne 
to  them  by  a  legall  Surrender  the  governem*  of  his  province 
or  he  slnmld  make  no  benefitt. 

( 1();")8. )  Whereupon  Joseph  Mason  Agent  for  Anne  Mason  did 
peticon  the  Generall  Court  of  the  Massachusetts  then  sitting 
at  Boston  for  redresse  and  offering  to  make  out  the  right»and 
Title  of  the  Heyres  of  Jn"  Mason  to  the  prouince  of  Hamp- 
shire ag'  all  [)ersons  and  y*  punishment  might  be  inflicted  upon 
those  who  had  inuaded  y*  County.  But  no  redress  or  resti- 
tution could  be  obtained  without  a  sul)mission  to  y*  Court, 
although  John  Endicott  then  Gouerno''  of  Massachusetts 
CoUony  did  by  his  Lre  to  Anne  Mason  acknowledge  y*  they 
did  beleeue  she  had  right  to  what  she  did  claim  And  since 
the  Heyre  Eobert  Mason  hath  come  to  age  he  hath,  he  hath 
still  prosecuted  his  right  hauing  spent  therupon  ui)wards  of 
700"'  having  absolutely  refused  any  Subjection  to  the  Massa- 
chusetts or  diuest  himself  of  the  right  of  Dominion  in  his  owne 
prouince  having  as  equall  a  right  to  the  Gouernem*  as  to  the 
Laud  itself. 

(1660.)  Upcm  his  Maj'''  hai)py  restauration  liobert  Mason 
did  peticon  his  Maj*  *=  for  sending  a  Generall  Governo''  for  New- 
England  and  to  bound  each  prouence,  and  y  'his  Maj*'''  might 
have  a  more  legall  right  to  the  Gouernem*  of  Hampshire  the 
said  Ilol)ert  Mason  humbly  offered  the  resignation  of  his 
Graunt  into  his  Maj*'**  Eovall  hands,  and  to  take  a  new 
Graunt  from  his  Maj'''  with  less  ]iriuiledges  and  more  suta- 
ble  to  Subjects  presiiming  alsoc  thatt  all  the  other  proprietors 
would  doe  the  same  and  follow  his  Example  it  being  for  the 
Common  good  the  said  peticon  was  well  liked  but  noething 
then  done  therupon. 


58  K.VlilA    ])()(•  I'M  KNTS 

(1()()1.)  Eobcit  Mason  did  a^aiii  humbly  petieon  his  Maj''*" 
for  his  [>rott'ctioii  and  reliefe  against  the  Massachusetts  his 
Maj^''"  theni))on  was  graciously  ])lcas('d  to  vcferro  the  Exami- 
nation of  the  complaints  in  the  said  peticon  unto  many  persons 
of  quality,  who  after  seuerall  days  meeting  in  the  Admiralty 
Hall  in  Doctors  Comnums  and  by  a  publick  citation  tixt  up  at 
the  Koyall  Exchange  requiring  the  Agent  of  the  Massachusetts 
to  ai)i)ear  Accordingly  one  M''  Leuerett  did  appear  in  behalf  of 
the  said  Massachusetts  and  u])on  Examining  witnesses  upon 
oath  and  after  a  full  hearing  of  the  Avhole  matter  did  make  a 
reporte  in  writing  to  his  Maj '''  under  their  hands  in  ti'eb  1()()1. 
Setting  forth  the  right  of  the  said  Hob'  Mason  the  Usurpacon 
of  the  Massachusetts  and  the  damages  y*  he  had  sustained  by 
them  did  amount  unto  upwards  of  live  Thousand  pounds 
But  humbly  left  it  to  his  Maj*''''  greate  wisedome  the  manner 
of  righting  the  said  Robert  Mason.  It  being  a  matter  of  State 
wherein  Iris  Maj*''''  concernes  Avere  equally  inuolucd  Avith  the 
Peticon^- 

(l()64-5.)  His  Maj"*^  then  intending  to  settle  Ncav  England 
under  his  immediate  Gouernem*  did  appoint  Coll  Nichols  Coll 
Cartwa'ight  Avitli  other  Commissioners  to  settle  the  same  the 
said  Commisso'*'  arriuing  at  Boston  and  not  finding  y*  recej)- 
tion  as  Avas  expected  and  due  to  their  quality  they  did  in  UMio 
goe  into  the  prouince  of  Hamj^shire  and  Maine  there  finding 
a  Avellcome  rece})tion  and  a  readie  compliance  to  his  Maj*"'*' 
Lres  And  upon  the  generall  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Prounce  of  Hampshire  the  Commisso'''*  did  declare  y*  Pro- 
uince to  be  out  of  the  GoA-ernem*  of  the  Massachusetts,  the 
people  being  alsoe  very  desirous  to  be  freed  from  their  youke 
and  to  submitt  to  his  Maj*'''''  Gouernem*  the  Commission'"'* 
haning  been  in  most  parts  of  y*  Prouince  as  also  of  Maine  to 
find  the  inclination  of  the  peoi)le,  Avho  liaAe  Since  refused  to 
acknowledge  the  Massachusetts  but  doe  remaine  from  the 
hopes  giuen  them  from  England  of  a  Speedy  Settlem*  by  his 
Maj*'"  as  Avas  also  promised  them  by  his  Maj*'"  Commissi". 

( l()(i7.)  By  Lres  from  NeAV  England  to  Rob*  Mason,  as  also 
by  his  Agent  Joseph  Mason  then  neAAdy  returned  into  England. 
He  is  assured  of  the  contimied  desires  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
both  the  aforesaid  prouinces  to  comply  Avith  his  Maj*'"  pleasure 


J{EI.ATIN(i   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  59 

in  EHtablisliinf>liis  Goueriunii*  amongst  them  or  y*  of  their  true 
proprietors  the  which  wouhl  ^vithout  any  difficulty  l)e  etiected 
his  Maj**"  only  interpcjsing  his  royall  Authority.  And  doe 
further  ct^rtilie  by  seuerall  affidavits  taken  l)efore  tfrancis 
Champernowne  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  said 
County  That  all  the  Masts  sent  his  Maj'"^  from  New  England 
upon  the  shipp  called  the  Greate  Duke  of  York  or  y*  had 
been  sent  for  England  Two  years  before  were  cutt  of  the 
Lands  of  Rob*  Mason. 

(1671.)  Robert  Mason  togeather  with  fierdinando  Gorges  esq'" 
proprieto'**  of  the  prouince  of  Maine  did  peticon  his  Maj"''  to 
take  into  his  consideration  the  settleni*^  of  New  England  & 
restoring  the  peticon'''  to  their  Just  rights  his  Maj*''''  there- 
upon was  graciously  pleased  to  referre  the  same  to  the  Coun- 
cill  of  ftbrraigne  Plaiitacons  for  their  opinion  and  advice  what 
was  fitting,  for  his  Maj^'^''  to  doe  therein  Who  upon  examina- 
tion of  the  matter  did  by  report  in  Aug*  1G71  humljly  aduise 
his  Maj*"^  as  the  best  and  most  eft'ectual  meanes To  send  forth- 
with Commiss'"'^  for  New  England  to  examine  the  difference 
touching  Boundaryes  and  to  compose  the  same  amicably  if 
tliey  could,  or  else  to  state  the  case  betwixt  them  and  report 
the  same  to  his  Maj*-^  for  liis  Royall  Determinacon.  Whereupon 
the  19*''  of  Septeml)  following  the  Earle  of  Arlington  informed 
the  ("ouncil  y*  his  Maj*'  liad  agreed  to  Send  Comniiss''**  to 
NeAv  England  according  to  tlieir  repoit  and  desii'ed  y* 
Instruccons  might  be  i)re})are(l  against  8i)ring  And  y*  the 
Councill  did  expect  from  M''  Mason  and  Gorges  and  obhging 
them  by  })romise  not  t(j  sell  or  parte  with  their  Interests  in 
New  England  to  any  person  without  his  Maj*'*^**  leaue. 

( 1()7'2.)  The  Earl  of  Arlington  in  prosecution  of  the  former 
report  moued  the  Councill  to  joroceed  in  preparing  Comissions 
and  Instruccons  for  C'ommission'"''  to  be  sent  to  New  England. 

The  Warre  then  being  begun  with  Holland  noething  was 
then  further  done. 

By  Lres  dated  in  Aug  1G72  from  ffrancis  Champernowne 
and  Henry  Jocelyne  Justices  of  the  peace  for  New  Hampshire 
ffresh  assurances  are  given  of  the  earnest  desire  of  the  afore- 
said Two  ]:>rouinces  to  have  his  Maj*'*'  Governem*  setled  and 
their  resoluteness  not  to  complye  with  the  Massachusetts. 


60  EAULY   DOCUMENTS 

(167-i.i  Tilt'  Willie  with  Holland  being  ended  llobeit  Mason 
and  fferdiuaudo  Gorges  did  againe  renew  their  humble  peticou 
to  his  Maj*"'  for  settling  Xew  England  and  doe  proi)ose  the 
resigneing  their  Clraunts  to  his  Maj'>'  and  taking  others  with 
less  priuiledges  Upon  certaine  conditions  very  advantageous 
to  his  Maj***^  all  which  is  under  the  present  consideration  of 
his  Maj'"  and  most  honourable  privie  Council  March  167-4-5 

(Endorsed)  The  Title  and  Case  of  Pujb  Mason  touching  the 
prouiuce  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  March  1674-5 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  43.     P.uje  8G. 

(Abstract.) 

Boston  in  New  England  June  17  1676 

Commencing : — R'  Hono'''' ■ 

After  informing  M'^'  Sec  :  Coventrj  of  his  arrival  and  recep- 
tion in  Boston  M^"  Randolph  goes  on  to  say — 

"  The  towns  upon  the  Sea  Coasts  especially  Boston  <k  Pas- 
cattawaj  are  the  residence  for  flbrreigiiers  A:  English  ffactors 
that  haue  fforreign  Com****-  for  trade  here  is  not  any  form  of  a 
Custom  hous,  but  a  small  acknowledm'  collected  on  goods 
imported  by  the  Gov*'^  &:  the  late  Trears  Sons  who  pay  y*^'  Sur- 
plusage of  theii-  Salarys  (if  any  to  the  Comon  Stock  here  are 
arrived  from  sevrall  all  Ports  since  the  10'^  instant  from  Nants 
a  Bostoner  of  100  Tuns  M^'  Clutterbuck  Master  Loaden  with  50 
butts  Brandy  tV:  other  ftVench  Comodities  also  a  Pink  of  Boston 
from  Ifrance  of  70  tunns  with  12  Tun  of  Brandy  Wine  S:  other 
goods  a  Scotsman  of  130  Tun  from  the  Canaryes  Avith  80  Pipes 
of  Canary  a  Bostoner  of  80  Tuns  from  y  Canaryes  w*'^  50 
Pipes  of  Canary  this  day  a  Ketch  of  Southampton  also  from 
Canary  liis  Contents  Sc  Burthen  I  know  not,  about  a  Month 
ago   a  Bostoner  of  150  Tuns  from  the   Canary  70  Pipes  of 


l;KI.ATIN(l   TO   KEW   HAMl'SHIltK.  61 

Wine,  about  the  same  time  another  Bostoner  IGO  Tuns  from 
y''  Streights  with  Mahiga  Wines  Oyles  and  otlier  goods  what 
is  come  into  the  River  of  Pascattaway  S:  other  Ports  here  I 
haue  no  advice. 

Notwithstanding  these  disturl)ances  the  ffishermen  haue 
made  very  good  Voyages  having  killed  aboue  12U00  Kintals 
of  Cod  fish  at  the  Islands  of  8holds  besides  what  iv,  taken  in 
other  Places,  the  great  quantitys  of  Cod  Mackrell  and  Herring 
taken  upon  this  Coast  are  exported  to  Spaine  firance  and  other 
parts  and  bring  in  aboue  50,000^''  yearly  to  the  Markets,  the 
Masts  Boards  Planks,  Pipe  staues  and  timber  of  all  sorts  fitt 
for  Shipping  exported  from  hence  to  Barbados  S:  other  parts 
of  the  Carib  Islands  make  them  profitable  returns  in  Barter 
besides  aboue  1000  Tunns  of  Logwood  yearly  fetched  from  the 
Bay  of  Campeche  l)y  the  Inhabitants. 

Most  of  the  Maritime  townes  are  well  stored  with  able 
Masters.  Maniners,  ffisheimen  iV-  good  Carpenters  they  build 
yearly  sevrall  Ships  of  good  burthen  besides  Ketches  ct  Barks 
and  for  these  7  last  years  Communibus  Annis  they  haue 
lanched  20  Ships  some  of  100  Tuns  «t  sonie  und'"  this  p^sent 
year  Orders  were  given  to  sett  30  upon  the  Stocks  by  the 
Merchants  in  England  who  make  their  returns  from  hence  in 
New  Shipping  but  the  Warrs  haue  prevented  that  number, 
Yet  there  are  at  Boston,  Charles  Town,  Salisbury  A:  other 
Places  aboue  12  building  some  of  them  upward  of  IGO  Tuns  as 
I  am  informed. 

I  beseech  30''  hono^'  to  pardon  this  imperfect  relacon  of  the 
p^'sent  state  of  this  Country,  the  Lawes  will  discover  what  I 
had  not  time  to  inquire  further  into  w'''  with  my  humble 
Service  I  p'sent  to  yo*'  Hono'"**  and  am 

Yo*'  bono'''  most  obedient  Serv* 

Edw.  Eandolph. 


Cd  EARLY  DOOtTMEXTS 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  1.     No.  7. 

(1676.) 

Board  of  Trade, 

The  Depositions  of  M'-  Edw  Jolinsoii  aged  about  70  years 
liaviiip;  lived  in  tlu'  Conntrey  fifty  five  years. 

M*-  Thomas  Witliers  aged  70  odd  years  :  Living  in  ye 
Countre}'  about  45  years  Edw  C'olcord  aged  67  3'ears  living  in 
y''  Countrey  about  46  years. 

Thomas  Spencer  aged  al)out  80  years  lining  in  }e  Countrey 
46  years. 

llobert  Mendum  76  years  living  in  the  Countrey  about  4(5 
years  Thomas  Crockett  aged  about  70  years  living  in  }•''  Coun- 
trey al)out  46  years 

Henry  Dowell  aged  68  years  lining  in  y*'  Countrey  about 
45  years. 

These  persons  abovenamed  having  lived  in  <S:  neare  pes- 
cataqua  River  as  above  expressed. 

Being  sumoned  before  Authority  &  there  being  examined 
made  Oath  t^-  doe  affirme  that  Cap'  John  Mason  did  never 
settle  any  Goverment  nor  an}'  people  u})on  any  Land  called 
y®  ])rovince  of  New  Hampshire  on  the  South  side  of  Piscatqa 
River  either  by  himselfe  or  any  of  his  Agents  to  this  da}-. 
And  whereas  M'-  Robert  Mason  his  Grandchild  by  his  Peti- 
tion to  his  Ma*'  charges  y''  Governors  of  y*"  Massachusetts  or 
y''  Bostoners  as  he  calls  them  :  fibr  taking  away  their  Govermt 
in  a  way  of  Hostility  :  burning  of  their  houses  tt  Banishing 
their  people  out  of  their  dwellings,  they  doe  aflfirme  the  same 
to  be  positivel}-  false. 

Taken  upon  Oath  before  us  this  25tli  days  of  August  1676 

in  Piscataque  Riuer  in  N.  England. 

Edw  :  Eeshwokth  /  /  / 

-  torn )ins. 

Elias  Stileman     ) 

The  Deposition  of  William  Seauy  aged  al)out  seventy  five 
years. 

Saith  that  he  came  into  New  England  u^xm  a  fishing  acco' 
at  y^  Isles  of  Sholes  neare  y*'  River  of  Piscataqa  about  a  year 


KELATINCi    TO    NEW   HAMl'SHIliE.  Gii 

before  Cap*  Xeale  went  from  this  Couiitrey  for  England  who 
(as  this  Deponent  was  credibly  informed)  came  over  on  v'' 
accot  of  Capt  Mason  about  y*^  yeare  One  thousand  six  hundred 
A-  thirty  &  y*  the  s"'  Capt.  Neale  lived  in  a  honse  in  y**  Little 
harbour  of  Piscataqa  which  by  comon  Ee})ort  was  formerly 
built  by  some  Merchants  Ac.  of  Plymouth  in  England  And 
about  a  year  after  this  Deponent  came  over  into  ^ew  England 
which  was  in  y^  year  82  Caj)*  Neale  went  back  again e  f(n-  Eng- 
land A:  left  Thomas  Wannerton  in  trust  ^^•ith  what  estate  was 
left  behind,  that  A^as  either  sent  out  of  England  or  im])r()ved 
here  And  that  the  Cattle  that  were  Left  of  Cap*-  Masons  were 
fetcht  away  by  one  Capt  Norton  of  Charlestowne  in  y''  Massa- 
chusets  Baye  and  y'"  rest  of  w*  was  left  was  disposed  oft  and 
spent  by  y*"  s''  Wannerton,  who  afterwai'ds  w;is  kild  by  the 
fl'rench  in  this  (^ountrey  of  New  England  And  fiu'ther  sailh 
that  neither  Cap*-  Neale  nor  Cap*-  Mason  nor  any  by  from  or 
under  y"  did  ever  set  up  or  exercise  any  Goverm*  in  this 
Countrey  more  than  over  the  family  that  Cap*-  Neale  brought 
with  him  Nor  ever  l)uilt  any  house  or  settled  any  family  here 
except  a  trading  house  at  Niwichewanacke  to  trade  with  the 
Indians  that  ever  this  Deponent  knoweth  or  heard  of  who 
hath  been  in  this  Countrey  and  in  the  same  })lace  for  y*"  most 
part  to  this  day  ever  since. 

Portsmouth  ye  3d  Sep'-  1(^76  William  Seavy  came  and  made 
Oath  to  y'"  above  written  befoie  us. 

Elias  Steleman     ) 


Edw:  Kish worth  j 


(Endorsed)  Read  18  July  KJUL  A:c. 


64  EARLY    DJCUMENTS 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     \ol.  42.    Page  128. 

(1677.     Srp.  6.) 

To  the  lliglit  Hon''i^'  the  Lords  of  the  Comittee  for  Trade  and 

Phiiitations 

An  Aceimnt  of  Land  lying  between   the   Massachnsets  A:  y 
])rovince  of  Maine 

In  obedience  to  vo''  Lord^'^  comaiid  requiring  an  account 
of  Such  Places  as  by  the  late  Opinion  ct  Report  of  y"  Lords 
Clieif  Justices  are  now  without  the  ]3ounds  of  the  Massachu- 
sets  Colon}'  in  New  England.  <S:  within  the  Limits  of  no  other 
Jurisdiction  there  Established,  The  Agents  of  the  sayd  Colony 
doe  humbly  informe  tt  shew. 

That  between  the  Northern  Bounds  of  the  Massachusets 
Colony  (as  now  retrenched,  &  by  the  Report  abovesayd 
limited  it  stated)  S:  the  Soutlicn'n  Bounds  of  the  Province  of 
Main,  allowed  tt  adjudged  to  M'-  Gorges,  there  doth  lye  a 
small  tract  of  Land,  w''^'  (though  begun  to  bee  peo})led  S: 
Planted  upwards  of  fonrty  years  since  yet)  by  reason  of  the 
Scautinesse  of  its  accomodations  contains  in  it  no  more  then 
foure  Plantations,  or  Townes  (the  Inhabitants  whereof  are 
but  few  in  number,  ct  the  generality  (jf  them  of  mean  A:  low 
estates. 

That  these  Places  have  never  been  taken  in  by  any  other 
Government  but  that  of  the  Massachusets,  under  w'''  they 
have  been  to  their  gi'eat  advantage  <fc  content  fixed,  very  neer 
fourty  years ;  But  if  taken  off  from  that  Goverment,  will  be 
under  none  &  so  his  Mat'''^  imediate  dispose  how  to  be  Setled 
for  the  future. 

It  is  therefore  most  humbly  moved  &  prayed  by  the  sayd 
Agents,  on  behalf  of  the  sayd  Plantations,  &  peoi)le  (whose 
minds  herein  are  very  well  known  to  them)  that  your  Lordi'** 
may  approve  it,  &  his  Ma"''  may  graciously  please  to  graunt 
that  the  sayd  Tract  &  Plantations  may  be  c(mtinued  &  setled 
under  the  Goverment  of  the  Massachusets,  w''^  they  have  so 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  65 

long  Experienced  &  are  satisfyed  with.  Hereby  the  Northern 
Bounds  of  that  Colony  will  be  freed  from  intricacy,  many 
hazards  &  charges  will  be  prevented.  The  Inhaljitants  will 
be  gratified  A  great  Obligation  will  by  his  Ma'"''  be  layd  upon 
the  whole  Colony,  by  this  expression  of  his  favo'"  in  such  a 
further  trust  comitted  to  them.  And  no  injury  will  be  done 
to  any  one  clayming  propriety  in  the  solye  or  any  part  thereof, 
the  determination  of  w'^^'  according  to  justice  &  in  such  way 
as  his  Ma'"''  shall  appoint,  is  not  in  the  least  desired  or  de- 
signed should  be  obstructed  or  hindred  hereby 
All  w*"^  is  humbly  submitted  &c. 


William  Stoughton 
Peter  Bulkeley 


6  Sep*-  1077    Ent^-  N.  E.  237 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42      Page  132. 

(1677.     Oct.  22.) 

To  the  King's  Most  Excellent  Majesty 

The  humble  Petition  of  Yo^'  Majesty's  Subjects  the  house 
holders  of  the  Town  of  D(juer  upon  Piscataqua  riuer  N: 
England. 

That  forasmuch  as  through  the  goodnesse  of  god  <t  the 
favour  of  yo^'  Most  Excellent  Majesty  (w*^^  like  the  Sweet  In- 
tiuences  of  Superior  or  heavenly  bodies  to  the  Tender  Plants, 
hath  cherish'd  us  in  our  weaker  beginnings  haueing  been  con- 
tinuiuU,through  yo'"  Speciall  grace  under  yo'"  Maj*''**  Protection 
&  Gouermen*  of  ye  Massachusets  to  w'*'  wee  Voluntarily 
Subjected  our  Seines,  many  3'ears  agoe,  yet  not  without  Some 
Necessity,  in  Part  felt  for  want  of  Gouerm*,  &  in  part  feared 
upon  the  Account  of  protection  w'^  hath  been  more  a  parent 
since  ;  the  happy  euent  or  issue  of  w'  '^  doth  cause  us  to  be  hum- 
ble ct  earnest  Supplicants  to  jo'"  Majesty  at  this  time,  that  wee 


66 


EARLY  DOCUMENTS 


may  be  continued  under  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  Mussachusets 
as  formerly,  our  full  Acquiesieiug  wherein  <^'  ample  Satisfaction 
wherew'^  wee  doe  hereby  make  our  Serious  profession  of, 
&  Doe  therefore  beg  yo'"  Royall  Assent  thereunto,  w''^  fauour 
of  yo""  Maj''"'^  wee  shall  Account  as  a  cloud  of  y®  Latter  rain  & 
be  fni'ther  quickned  to  pray  for  all  manner  of  Prosperity  upon 
yo*"  Maj"'"^  Person  ct  Counsels  as  becomes  yo'"  Loyall  Subjects 

Dated  in  Doner  the  22^^  October  1677 

They  pray  to  be  continued  under  y^"  Massachusetts  gou- 
emm*. 
John  Euens 
AVilliam  Shukford 
Isak  Trackie 
Sighne  of  Gershom  +  Wentworth 


John  Bickford 

Nathaniel  Stones 

Sign  of  Ginkin  +  Jonnes 


John  Hill 

John  Rann 

Will""  ffm-ber  Jun'' 

John  Gerrish 

Gorge  4-  Bracou  his  mark 

John  +  Winget  his  mark 

Stephen  Jones 

Richard  -f  Roe  his  mark 

Thomas  +  Cauny  his  marke 

Thomas  +  Hamock  his  mark 

Richard  Waldern 

William  Wentworth 

John  Dauis 

John  Robearts 

Anthony  Nutter 

John  +  Hud  his  mark 

John  +  Bickford  his  mark 

Thomas  Beard 

Charles  +  Adams  mark 

Job  Clements 


Thomas  +  Roberts 

his  mark 
Ezekell  +  Winford  mark 
Thomas  Downes 
Joseph  Canne 
John  Church 
Thomas  Edgrly 
John  Dam 
John  Ham 
John  Hall  Junior 
William  fiurbur 
Henry  +  Langtof 

his  mark 
John  Hall  Senior 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE. 


67 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.      Vol.  42.     Page  133. 

"We  wliose  names  that  are  miclerwrytten  being  tlie  inhabit- 
ants and  dwellers  of  the  towne  of  Exeter,  doe  manifest  hereby 
that  it  is  our  humble  desire,  that  if  it  be  thought  meete  that 
an  addresse  should  be  made  to  his  Maiesty  for  the  Continu- 
ance of  the  p''sent  government  under  which  wee  have  lived 
many  years,  that  in  the  same  addresse  or  petition  that  among 
others  these  our  names  may  be  inserted  in  reference  to  the 
present  Gov'^ment  fi-om  Pascataquack  to  Merimacke  river 
excepting  the  three  miles. 


Sam  Dudley 
John  Gillman 
Kob :  Wadleigh 
Robert  Smart  Senior 
Samuell  Leaue 
John  FouUsam 
Robert  Jones 
Jonathan  Thing 
Bily  Dudly 
Daniel  Gilman 
Moses  Leavitt 
Ralph  Hall 
Samewell  flbullsham 
Petter  flbullsham 
Eph  ffoullsham 
Charles  Gliten 
Thomas  Rolines 
Linsley  Hall 
Richard  Morgin 
Humphery  Willson 
Edward  Sewell 


Theophi  Dudley 
Antip"^  Maverick 
Samuel  Hall 
John  Gillen  guner 
William  Hacket 
Robert  Powell 
Rich :  Scamon 
Conealles  Learey 
Edward  Gillman 
Wilhm  More 
Daued  Larence 


68  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42.     Paoe  134 
To  the  King's  most  Excellent  Majesty  &  o'"  Dread  Soveraign 

The  Humble  Addresse  of  your  Maj*'*'  Sublets  y*'  Householders 

of  y''  Town  of  Portsm"  on  Pascataq  River  in  N  England 

Humbly  showeth 

That  the  fear  of  loseiug  the  long  enjoyed  &  still  desired 
Benefitt  of  y^  Mattachusets  Governm*  hath  occasioned  us  to 
adventure  to  speak  unto  o*"  Soveraign  Lord  y*'  King,  it  may 
bee  y"  Words  of  o''  Lord  ye  King  may  bee  comfortable  to  us  & 
he  will  pform  y*^  Request  of  his  Servants  y*  wee  may  bee  con- 
tinued &  settled  under  y®  same  Jurisdiction  as  formerly,  unto 
whicl]  wee  at  first  Voluntarily  suljjected  ourselves  and  have 
never  yet  had  any  cause  to  repent  of  our  so  doeing;  under 
which  by  y®  good  hand  of  o^  God  upon  us  &  your  Majesties 
Authority  over  us  wee  have  been  duely  encouraged  to  lead 
quiet  &  peaceable  lives  in  all  Godlmes  &  Honesty ;  with 
which  also  wee  rest  fully  satisfied  S:  contented.  Wee  are 
men  y*  desire  to  fear  y'^  Lord  A:  y'^'  King  &  not  to  medle  with 
them  y*  are  given  to  Change,  as  well  knowing  what  confusions 
distractions  &  Damage  Changes  of  Governm*''  are  not  unusu- 
ally attended  with.  May  this  thing  seem  good  in  yo^  Majes- 
ties eyes  &  may  we  bee  favoured  in  this  Matter,  wee  shall  pay 
our  Vowes  to  y"  ffather  <^'  ffountain  of  all  o^'  Mercies  <t  find 
ourselves  further  obliged  to  ofier  up  o^"  Prayers  for  j"  life  of 
y  King  &c. 

Dated  in  Portsm"  in  Pascatq  River  in  N.  E.  this  22  Octob '" 
1677 

Tobias  Leare  James  Jones 

John  +  Westbrooke  John  +  Johnson 

Israeli  Phillips  John  Partridge 

Tho  Daniel  Brian  Pendleton 

W"'  Vaughan  John  Dame 

John  Ship  way  John  Pickerin 

Samuell  Haines  Jun""  Ju"  Hody 

John  Sherburne  Anthony  4-  Bracket 

William  +  Row  Leonard  +  Weeks 

John  +  Breuster  Mathias  Hanes 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE. 


69 


Charles  Alliu 
.John  Clarke 
Richard  Watterhouse 
Francis  +  Raund 
J(ihii  -f  BeiTj 
Samuell  Haines  Sen'' 
Thomas  +  Seavie 
John  Huiikiiigs 
John  ffletcher 
John  Cutt  Jim*" 
Richard  Jackson 
Richard  Webber 
Richard  Tucker 
John  Jackson 
Samuell  Keais 
George  Lauers 
Richard  Shortridge 
WiUiam  +  Ratclife 


John  Rand 
Joshua  Moodey 
John  Cutt 
Elias  Stileman 
Richard  Marty n 
Nath  ffreyer 
Jo :  Harall 
Richard  +  Cumins 
Robert  Elliot 
Ben  Hollis 
Sam^^  Wentworth 
Walter  Neale 
robbai't  pariaton 
Obediah  Mors 
William  Seavey 
Ric  Stileman 
John  Tucker 
W"  +  Hamm 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42.     P.^ge  135. 


To  the  High  &  Mighty  Monarch,  Oiu'  Deare  &  Dred  Sover- 
aigue  Lord  Charles  the  Second  by  the  Good  Providence  of 
God  King  of  Great  Brittain  France  and  Ireland  and  De- 
fender of  the  Faith  Arc. 
The  Humble  Petition  of  the  Subscribing  Inhabitants  of  your 
Maiesties  Towne  of  Hampton  in  the  County  of  Norfolke  in 
New  England.     Submissely  Showeth. 

That  Whereas  wee  are  under  a  deepe  sence  of  the-  Divine 
Benediction  in  our  Enioymeut  of  Lands  tt  Libertyes  by  your 
Maiestyes  Ro^-all  Protection  under  the  Geuernement  of  your 
Loyall  Collony  of  the  Massachusetts  for  the  space  of  about  40 
yeares  as  also  being  awed  by  the  Divine  Aphorisme  of  that 
wisest  of  Princes   who  hath   comanded   us   to   fear   God   & 


70 


EARLY    DOCUMENTS 


Honour  Our  King  tt  not  medle  with  man  given  to  change  Wee 
therefore  doe  in  all  Humble  Loyalty  beseech  your  Most 
Serene  Maiest}-  if  it  may  Consist  with  your  gracious  Pleasure 
&  our  Allegiance  S:  Duty  that  wee  may  bee  continued  under 
the  Goveniement  of  the  Massachusets  and  the  Influence  of 
your  most  August  Souereignty 

Hampton  October  22  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  1G77  <t  in 
the  yeare  of  our  Soveraigne  Lord  Charles  y^  2*^"  29"'.  and  re- 
maine  Your  most  Loyall  Subjects  &  Constant 

Votaries  at  the  Throne  of  Grace 


William  Samber 
Anthony  Stanj-an 
William  Fifield  Senior 
Isaac  Marston 
Epherhaim  Marston 
John  Marston 
Johathan  Wedgwood 
Christopher  Palmer 
John  Godfi'ie 
Daniel  Dow 
John  fuller 
Daniell  Lampree 
John  Chfford  Ju'^ 
Thomas  Marston 
John  Molton 
Adonias  Webster 
John  Souter 
Hum  Godfi'ay 
Joseph  Moulton 
John  Knowles 
Abraham  Cole 
John  Samborn  Ju 
John  Smith 
John  Tucke 
Thomas  Robey 
John  Brown  Sen 
Abra  Drak  Sen 
Benjamin  Mouton 
Henry  Mouton 


Seaborne  Cotton 
Richard  Samboume 
Henry  Dow 
Mauris  Hobs  Senior 
Crystoper  Hassey 
Andrew  Wiggin 
Sanmell  Dalton  Sen' 
Bob  Haye. 
John  Samborne 
WiiUam  ffuller 
Antony  Taylor 
Abraham  Perkins 
John  Meryan 
Godfrey  Derbarn 
John  Chfford  Se»' 
Nath^i  Bachiler 
ffrancis  Page 
Nath"  Weare 
Thomas  Nudd 
Edward  Colcord 
Samuel  Dalton  Jun*" 


KELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  71 

NEW  ENGLA.ND  PAPERS.    Vol.  43.     Page  203. 

(.1.077.     JaiuKirii  9.) 

That  His  Ma*-'  will  appoint  a  Gov^"  for  the  Province  of  Main 
tVr  New  Hampshire 

To  the  Kings  most  Excellent  Maiestie    The  humble  Petition 
of  Kobert  Mason  and  fierdinanclo  Gorges     Showeth, 

That  the  Agents  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  in  New  England, 
luiiie  not  only  before  yo^'  Maj*'°  in  Councill,  But  also  before 
the  Lords  Chief  Justices,  disclaimed  All  Right  and  Title  to 
the  Soyle  of  the  Two  prouices  of  New  Hampshire  and  Main 
(the  Inheretance  of  yo''  pet''*  )  and  did  only  insist  upon  the 
Government  therof  upon  pretence  of  a  Grant  from  Yo'"  Maj*** 
Royall  flather  (the  which  was  fraudulently  obtained)  The  said 
Lords  Chief  Justices  upon  hearing  what  the  said  Agents  could 
Alledge  :  Have  made  Report,  That  the  said  Massachusets  had 
no  colour  of  pretence  to  Government  in  New  England,  fi'urther 
Northward  than  Three  miles  North  of  Merrimack  River,  which 
is  about  Twenty  miles  in  length  upon  the  Sea  Coast  within 
the  Lands  of  Yo'"  pet''  Mason.  The  rest  of  his  province 
stretching  Northward  along  the  Sea  coast  to  Pascataway 
River  and  up  within  the  same  to  the  Head  therof.  ffrom 
which  River  begins  the  Province  of  Main,  belonging  to  yo*' 
Pef  Gorges  and  extends  still  Northward  upon  the  Sea  Coast 
to  Sagadahock  River  which  parts  the  said  Province  fi'om  that 
Ijelonging  to  his  Royall  Highness  the  Duke  of  Y^ork.  ffrom 
which  said  Province  of  New  hampshire  and  Main  are  cutt  All 
the  Masts"  and  Planks  that  are  brought  for  England,  and  most 
if  not  all,  that  serves  yo""  Maj*^'  other  Plantations  in  America. 
Boston  itself  being  also  beholding  therunto  for  Timber  and 
ffish  the  chief  Ihshing  of  New  England  being  at  the  Isles  of 
Shoals,  which  are  particularly  Granted  and  equally  devided 
to  yo'"  pet''?  The  which  remaining  Part  of  New  Hampshire 
and  that  of  Main  are  full  Thrice  as  large  upon  the  Sea  coast 
as  All  the  Dominion  which  the  Massachusetts  Government 
can  pretend  unto.     Yet  the  wealth  and  Revenues  which  they 


72  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

draw  from  theuce  uiakes  them  still  Htruggle,  uiul  tryall  meaus 
to  keep  them  iu  their  power  and  obedience. 

That  not  only  to'"  })et*'''  But  every  loyal  Subject  iu  New 
England  are  sensible  of  the  Mischeifs  aiul  Miseries  that  have 
befallen  Those  Colonies  by  reason  of  a  divided  and  disjointed 
Government  and  are  likely  to  increase  more  and  more,  and 
therby  to  become  an  easie  Prey  to  every  Invader,  if  iiot  pre- 
vented by  yo"^  Maj*-^'  protection  iu  the  Establishment  of  One 
General  Governor  The  apprehension  wherof  did  excite  the 
best  and  most  wealthy  of  the  Inhabitants  to  petition  Yo^' 
Maj*-^  Commissioners  iu  16G5  ffor  the  estabhshiug  Yo'"  Maj^-^ 
Koj-al  Authority  among  them  wherin  Yo'"  pet'^  have  also  been 
humble  Supplicants  ever  since  Yo*"  Maj*®  hap])y  Eestauration. 

And  although  yo'"  pet*'*  doe  claime  a  Eight  of  Governing 
^\ithin  their  respectiue  lands  by  vertue  of  their  Grants  ifrom 
yo*'  Maj'^  Eoyal  Predecessors  Y'^et  as  Avell  for  the  Honor  and 
Interest  of  yo^'  Maj'^'^  as  for  the  in-otection  and  wellfare  of  Yo'" 
Maj*^  Subjects  in  those  Parts  Yo*"  Pet*'f  have  huml)ly  offered 
and  doe  now  most  humbly  offer  to  surrender  unto  yo*"  Maj*-^' 
Eoyal  hands.  All  their  Eight  and  Title  to  Government  with 
such  other  Eoyalties  as  the  honor  or  convenience  of  yo*"  Maj"^ 
may  requu-e.  When  ever  it  shall  please  Yo*"  Maj**''  to  establish 
a  General  Governor  in  those  parts  And  yo*"  pet*'*  haue  good 
reason  to  hope,  that  this  Their  Act  of  Loyalty  and  obedience 
will  induce  the  other  Colonies  (especially  those  of  Plimouth 
and  Connecticut  who  have  been  always  very  affectionate  to 
yo*"  Maj*-^'  ser^-ice)  Lo  a  humble  submission  to  yo*"  Maj*^  Eoyal 
pleasure,  And  doe  not  question  but  the  Magistrates  of  Boston 
itself  (some  ftew  ill  affected  persims  who  like  no  Government 
but  their  owne  Excepted)  will  find  it  their  true  interest  and 
happiness  to  be  under  Yo*"  Maj**'*  Just  and  Mild  Government. 
The  better  and  major  part  of  tli6se  Inhabitants  being  Asser- 
ers  of  yo*"  Maj*''"*  Eoyall  Authority  As  may  appear  by  the  an- 
nexed Copy  of  a  Eemonstrance  presented  to  the  General 
Court  in  Octob  1666,  and  signed  by  upward  of  one  hundi'ed 
hands. 

But  if  it  shalbe  Y^o*"  Maj^'  pleasure  not  to  establish  a  Gen- 
eral Governor  over  the  whole  Territory  of  New  England.  Yet 
Yo*"  pet*"*  to  lett  their  aspiring  Neighbors  the   Massacliusets 


KELATING    TO    NEW   HAMPSHIKE.  73 

see,  That  they  themselves  are  farr  fi-om  being  ambitious  of 
Governing  and  Ruling  over  Yo''  Maj*-^'  Suljjects  there  inhabit- 
ing. 

They  humbly  pray  yo'^'  MaJ''®  to  appoint  a  Governor  over 
those  Two  entire  Provinces,  and  that  they  may  for  the  future 
be  annexed  as  to  Government,  and  that  they  may  have  Au- 
thority to  raise  a  standing  Revenue  by  Customs  and  Excise 
or  any  other  way  that  shall  be  found  most  Easie  to  the  peo- 
ple tfor  the  Support  of  yo^'  Maj*-^  Governor  and  the  Govern- 
ment and  Defence  of  the  Country  tfrom  the  Invasion  and  En- 
croachments of  the  Infidels  and  others.  And  that  the  Juris- 
diction may  extend  over  all  yo'"  pet^'^  lands  according  to  their 
Grants  And  ffor  tlieir  gi-eat  Damages  w^hicli  yo''  pet*'^  haue  soe 
long  sustained  by  the  violent  intrusion  and  continued  Usurpa- 
tion of  the  Massacliusets  Government  (especially  since  1665, 
when  yo'^'  Maj**  Commissioners  were  not  only  obstructed  but 
highly  affrc^nted  in  the  settlement  of  yo*"  pet'*  Provinces)  Yo^' 
Pet'"''  humbly  submitt  the  manner  of  tlieir  Reparation  unto 
yo'"  Maj***  Royal  pleasure  and  determination 

And  shall  ever  pray 

-Rec'i  the  d^^  of  Jun'y  77  Referrd  to  the  Comm'^-^  23'i 


NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.  Vol.  42.     Page  176. 

Read  13  Feb  :  1678. 

An   Accoiuit  from    the  Agents    of    Boston    concerning    their 
Northern  Bounds. 

To  the  Right  hono''''^  the  Lords  of  the  Comittee  for  Trade  S: 
Plantations.  ■ 

In  observance  of  yo''  Lordsi"*  directions  of  the  15*''  of  Janu- 
ary last  upon  M'"  Mason's  Petition  concerning  some  Lands 
pretended  to  V)y  him  in  New  England,  We  humbly  offer. 


74  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

For  that  ])iirt  of  M''  Masons  clayiiie  which  falls  to  the 
Northward  of  our  Lino,  the  llight  to  the  Soyle  is  not  yet  de- 
termined between  the  Inhabitants  (that  liaue  been  possessed 
there  of  about  50  yeares)  <k.  M'"  Mason,  cVr  those  severall  others 
persons  who  may  with  as  much  reason  make  their  demands 
as  he.  In  the  meaue  time  the  People  of  the  4  Small  Planta- 
tions upcm  this  Tract  (which  are  all  that  it  is  capable  of,  not- 
withstanding M'"  Masons  large  representation  of  80  Miles) 
being  no  waies  sufficient  to  be  put  under  a  distinct  or  seper- 
ate  Goverment,  haue  made  their  humble  and  unanimous  Peti- 
tions to  his  Ma*'*^  Avhich  are  now  lying  before  yo*'  Lord^'  That 
as  to  Governm*  (which  M''  Mason  hath  no  pretence  to)  they 
may  be  annexed  to  the  Massachusetts,  tt  thereby  continued 
in  the  same  State,  wherein  to  their  great  <t  generall  Satisfac- 
tion &  beuefitt  they  haue  been  for  about  40  yeares  last  past 
which  Petitions  they  earnestly  expect  A:  pray  may  be  gra- 
ciously answered. 

As  to  wdiat  M^"  Mason  challengeth  within  our  Northern 
Bounds  aforesaid  Yo"^  Lords^^**  may  please  to  understand  that 
those  lands  also  are  all  of  them  in  the  possession  of  particular 
persons  that  did  originally  purchase  the  right  of  the  Natives 
were  at  the  sole  charge  to  subdue  plant  &  build  upon  them 
to  a  very  great  expence  haue  conveyed  them  one  to  another, 
and  so  haue  with  their  predecessors  enjoyed  them  for  the 
space  of  50  yeares  without  any  forbidding  them  at  the  first  or 
any  clayme  or  interrupcon  fi-om  any  one  ever  since  untill  now. 

Nor  can  M'"  Mason  set  forth  his  title  to  any  Lands  there 
upon  any  other  accompt  than  of  a  l)are  Grant  of  late  produced 
from  the  Councell  of  Plymouth,  which  is  altogether  uncertaine 
as  to  its  boundaries,  was  never  pursued,  or  executed  by  Liverj' 
of  Seizin  made,  Which  we  humbly  suppose  cannot  be  of  force 
to  eject  the  present  Inhabitants,  S:  is  a  very  poor  foundation 
to  build  the  Title  of  Sole  Pro])rietor  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampsheir  upon,  a  name  not  pretended  to  be  in  being  till  Six 
yeares  after  the  obteyning  of  the  Charter  of  the  Massachu- 
setts. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted  by 

William  Stoughton 

Feby.  4"'  1()7|^  Pet  :  Bulkeley 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  75 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS,  Vol.  48.     Page  407. 

(1679.     Sep.) 

Bounds  of  Nova  Scotia 

My  Lord  Sterling  his  Nova  Scocia  by  King  Charles  y**  second 
ordered  to  be  delivered  unto  y®  ffrench  anno  1633. 

Nona  Scocia  Avas  ])onn(led  as  followeth  Cape  Britton  was 
y°  Eastern e  bounds  and  from  thence  westward  to  Santo  Croix 
right  against  y''  Easterne  end  of  y"  Grande  Manlian  and  a 
leigue  Eastward  from  pascattamaquoode 

Cap*-  Walter  Neale  made  Gouernour  by  y'"  consell  of  Ply- 
mouth in  y^  yeare  1631  of  all  New  England  y*  was  not  for- 
merly gTauted  to  others  y*^  western  bounds  began  at  y*^  East- 
erne  end  of  Boston  Patent  and  went  Eastward  as  far  as  Santo 
Crouix,  all  his  time  j''  fltrench  neuer  claimed  any  Land  to  y* 
westward  of  Nona  Scocia  But  in  two  yeares  after  y"^  said  Neale 
left  y^  Country  Mounsier  Donee  was  sent  by  Mounseiur  Com- 
mander Kasilio  liueing  at  y^  Lahave  Eastward  fi'o  Cape  Sable 
horn  40  :  leagues  w"^  a  Ship  to  discover  y'^  coast  of  Nona  Scotia 
and  New  England.      *         *         ""         "         *         "  "         * 

(Addressed)  These  for  his  Excellence  Edmond  Andros 
Knight  gouernour  Generall  of  all  his  Pvoyall  Highnes  teritories 
in  America 

(Endorsed)  Sep'''-  79.  M''  Henery  Joselin  of  Eastern  bounds 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol  48.     Pages  410-11. 

The  Title  of  Robert  Mason  to  the  province  of  New  Hampshire 
in  New  England  with  his  Case,  and  the  proceedings  of  the 
Government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  NeAV  England. 

King  James  by  his  Letters  Patten ts  under  the  Great  Scale 
of  England  bearing  date  the  third  day  of  November  in  the 


76  EAllLY   DOCUMENTS 

Eighteenth  year  of  his  liaigue  did  give  and  grant  unto  diverse 
of  the  principal  nobihtv  and  gentry-  of  this  Kingdome  by  the 
name  of  President  and  Council  for  the  planting  ordering 
ruling  and  governing  of  New  England  in  America  their  Suc- 
cessors and  Assignes  for  ever  All  the  land  in  America  now 
called  New  England,  To  be  held  as  of  the  Manner  of  East 
Greenwich  in  the  County  of  Kent  in  ffree  and  common  soc- 
cage  with  many  Roj^alties  Privileges  and  Immimities  Only 
paying  to  his  Maj'-^  his  Heyres  and  Successors  the  ffifth  part 
of  the  Oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  which  shall  be  found  upon  the 
said  lands  In  respect  of  all  manner  of  services  duties  and  de- 
mands whatsoever,  as  by  the  said  letters  pattents  doth  at 
large  appear  The  said  Council  of  New  England  by  Indenture 
under  the  Common  Seal  dated  the  ninth  day  of  March  the 
Nineteenth  of  King  James  have  sould  and  enfeoffed  unto  John 
Mason  Esq*'  his  lieires  and  assignes  for  ever  All  that  part  of 
the  Maine  laud  in  New  England  called  or  knoAvn  by  the  name 
of  Cape  Ann  lying  betweene  the  Rivers  of  Naumkeck  and  Mer- 
rimack and  to  the  heads  of  the  said  Rivers 

The  said  Council  by  Indenture  under  their  Common  Seal 
dated  the  tenth  day  of  August  the  Twentieth  of  King  James 
have  sould  and  enfeoffed  unto  S*'  fferdinaudo  Gorges  and  John 
Mason  Esq*'  their  heires  and  assignes  for  ever  All  that  part 
of  the  Main  land  in  Ncav  England  lying  betweene  the  Rivers 
of  Merrimack  and  Sagadahock  and  to  the  farthest  heads  of 
the  said  Rivers, 

The  said  Council  by  indenture  under  their  common  seal 
dated  the  seaventh  November  the  ffifth  of  King  Charles  have 
sould  and  enfeoffed  unto  John  Mason  Esq''  his  heires  and 
assignes  for  ever.  All  that  part  of  the  maine  land  in  New  Eng- 
land lying  betweene  the  Rivers  of  Merrimack  and  PascattaAvay 
and  to  the  farthest  head  of  the  said  Rivers  being  a  devision  of 
the  lands  formerly  granted  unto  S''  fferdinando  Gorges  and 
John  Mason  All  the  aforesaid  lands  to  be  held  in  common 
soccage  under  certaine  conditions  restrictions  and  limitations 
as  by  the  several  Grants  doth  appear. 

That  the  said  Council  of  New  England  having  for  several 
weighty  reasons  resolved  to  surrender  to  his  late  Maf''  King 
Charles  the  grand  Charter  of  tlieir  Incor})oration,  that  so  his 


liELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIKE.  77 

Maj*-^'  might  take  tlie  Government  of  that  Coimtry  into  his 
own  hands  did  some  few  days  before  the  surrender  viz  upon 
the  2'2th  of  April  1635  By  a  Pole  deed  and  an  Indenture  under 
their  common  Seal  both  bearing  date  the  same  day  gi'ant  and 
oonfirme  imto  the  said  John  Mason  his  lieires  and  assignes 
for  ever  All  the  aboue  mentioned  lands  and  Islands  by  the 
Name  of  New  Hampshire.  To  l)e  held  and  enjoyed  as  fully 
frel}-  and  in  as  large  ample  and  beneficial  manner  and  forme 
to  all  intents  and  purposes  whatsoever  as  the}-  the  said  Coun- 
cil by  vertue  of  his  Maj^®  said  letters  pattents  may  might  or 
ought  to  have  hold  and  enjoy  the  same  yeelding  and  paying 
only  to  his  Maj*^'  his  Heires  and  Successors  one  fl&fth  part  of 
the  Oare  of  Gold  and  Silver  which  sbalbe  found  upon  the  said 
lands  as  b^-  the  said  Grants  doth  at  large  appeare 

That  in  the  year  1622  the  said  John  Mason  did  send  over 
several  Servants  and  passengers  to  be  tennants  with  store  of 
cattle  prcmsions  and  necessaries  unto  his  lands  at  Cape  Ann 
and  did  build  sundry  houses  and  set  up  the  trade  of  ffisherj 
upon  that  Coast  and  employed  for  his  Steward  there  Ambrose 
Gibbons  Gentleman  who  continued  there  untill  the  year  1630 
at  which  time  the  Massachusetts  Colony  \dolently  seized  upon 
that  part  of  the  Province  stretching  their  bounds  three  miles 
to  the  Northwards  of  Merrimack  Kiver  and  turned  the  ser- 
vants and  tennants  of  the  said  John  Mason  out  of  their  jjos- 
sessions,  under  pretence  of  a  Charter  from  his  late  Maj*^  King 
Charles  in  1628 

That  from  the  j-ears  1623  unto  1635  the  said  John  Mason  did 
settle  a  considerable  Colony  at  Pascattaway  Kiver  and  trans- 
ported gi'eat  store  of  cattle  of  all  sorts  with  large  quantities  of 
Amunition  and  provisions  and  did  build  many  houses  ujion 
the  gi'eat  Island  which  lyeth  at  the  entrance  of  the  said  River 
upon  which  he  erected  a  iibrt  and  mounted  it  with  tenn  Guns 
for  the  Defence  of  the  said  Island  and  Piiver,  and  also  within 
the  said  liiver  at  a  place  now  called  Portsmouth  he  built  di- 
uerse  good  houses  wherof  one  was  a  very  fair  and  hirge  house 
of  Stone  and  timber,  and  l)y  him  called  Mason  Hall  encom- 
passed with  a  ditch  and  strong  PaUisade  and  tfortified  with 
eight  Guns  within  the  said  ffort  was  a  large  Magazine  fur- 
nished with  Aims  and  amunition  and  other  necessaries  for 


78  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

the  defence  and  pn^tection  of  the  Inhal)itants  and  liad  im- 
proved aboiie  one  thousand  acres  of  nieadoAv  gi-ound. 

Also  at  Newichawanock  the  said  John  Mason  built  a  large 
dwelling  honse  and  store  house  and  fenced  them  with  a  strong 
Pallisade  and  mounted  with  six  (Inns  and  upon  the  falls  of 
the  River  he  erected  tfour  Saw  mills  and  sundry  houses  for 
his  Tennants  and  Servants  committing  the  Goverimient  thereof 
unto  Captauie  Walter  Neale,  who  continutnl  in  that  employ- 
ment unto  the  year  1633  and  after  him  unto  Henry  Jocehng 
Esq""  who  managed  that  estjxte  to  the  year  1G38  during  which 
time  John  Mason  dyes  having  exjjended  upward  of  Twenty 
Thousand  pounds  bequeathing  the  said  province  of  New 
Hampshire  unto  his  Grandsonne  Robert  Mason  the  now 
Proprietor  being  then  but  nine  months  old. 

Then  followed  Captain  ffrancis  Norton  being  imployed  by 
Anne  Mason  the  widow  and  executrix  of  John  Mason  who 
continued  there  until  the  year  1651,  a  person  wholy  at  the 
Devotion  of  the  Massachusetts  Government  a  favourer  of 
their  principles  and  proceedings,  and  for  his  own  private  ends 
connived  at  their  encroachments 

In  the  year  1651  Joseph  Mason  was  sent  over  by  the  said 
Anne  Mason,  who  continued  in  New  England  until  the  year 
1667  in  whose  time  viz  in  1652  the  Massachusetts  usurped  a 
Dominion  over  the  whole  province  contrary  to  all  right  Justice 
and  Equity  at  first  suggesting  to  the  people  all  grants  to  be 
void  that  were  not  confirmed  by  the  poAvers  then  in  England, 
and  then  by  their  Agitators  invited  some  of  the  Inhabitants 
to  petition  the  said  Massachusets  to  be  taken  under  their 
Government  and  protection  under  specious  pretences  of  gi'eat 
advantages  that  would  accrue  unto  them  and  last  of  all  by  a 
new  discovery  of  a  i)attent  line  they  stretched  their  bounds 
to  the  utmost  limits  of  New  Hampshire  and  then  erected 
themselves  into  a  Gommon  Wealtli  and  compelled  the  Inhabi- 
tants to  submit  to  their  authority  as  to  their  Lawful  Lords 
and  disposed  of  the  lands  houses  and  estate  of  the  said  Robert 
Mason  at  their  pleasure, 

Whereupon  Joseph  Mason  in  liehalf  of  the  proprietor  did 
upon  the  6*''  day  of  May  ]  653  ])etition  the  General  Court  then 
assembled  in  Boston  for  redress  and  restitution  of  the  said 


KELATING  TO   NEW   HAMSPHIRE.  79 

lands  and  offered  to  make  out  the  right  and  title  of  the  Pro- 
prietor Robert  Mason  against  all  person  or  pretenders  what- 
soever but  hereunto  they  gave  no  answer, 

Then  the  said  Joseph  Mason  the  5^^  of  July  following  did 
set  up  a  writing  on  the  meeting  house  doors  at  Dover  Exeter, 
Strawberry  banck,  and  other  places  protesting  against  the 
proceedings  of  the  Massachusets  Government  forbidding  all 
persons  to  feed  upon  the  said  lands  cut  grass,  or  fell  any  tim- 
ber without  licence  or  composition  first  had  or  obtained  from 
the  said  Joseph  Mason. 

In  October  follo^nng  the  said  Joseph  Mason  in  behalf  of 
the  Proprietor  did  bring  an  Action  of  Trespass  against  Rich- 
ard Leader  James  Johnson  John  Goddard,  and  others  for 
entring  upon  the  lands  and  houses  disposing  of  the  goods  and 
cutting  down  timber  witliout  licence  and  after  many  delayes 
and  dilatory  proceedings  a  tryal  was  had  in  Boston  in  Octo 
1655  before  the  General  C^ourt,  where  the  lands  were  adjudged 
to  the  Proprietor  and  a  verdict  for  damages  was  given  against 
the  said  Richard  Leader  and  others  whereupon  the  said  Joseph 
Mason  did  demand  of  the  Court  l)y  what  right  tlu^y  held  the 
Government  of  the  province  the  Proprietor  having  as  equall 
right  to  the  Governement  as  to  the  land  to  this  the  Court 
gave  no  reply. 

But  shortly  after  comes  out  this  law  That  Avhosoever  shalbe 
in  possession  of  any  land  five  years  although  the  grant  of  the 
said  lands  was  to  another  person  and  the  jiossessor  having 
nothing  to  shew  for  the  alienation  tlierof  but  his  possession, 
the  ])ossessor  shall  have  the  land  confirmed  unto  him. 

And  hereby  the  Proprietor  was  quite  outed  of  his  lands  and 
his  inheritance  devided  among  Strangers,  and  no  relief  to  be 
expected  from  those  usurpers,  and  then  they  fence  themselves 
against  all  c()m])laints  or  clamours  by  the  laws. 

That  whosoever  shall  revile  the  person  of  any  Magistrate  or 
shall  defame  any  Court  of  Justice,  or  the  sentence  and  pro- 
ceedings of  the  same,  or  the  Judges  of  any  such  Court  in  re- 
spect of  any  act  or  sentence  therein  passed,  shalbe  punished 
with  wdiipping  ffine  imprisonment,  disfranchisement,  or  ban- 
ishment as  the  quality  or  measure  of  the  offence  shall  deserve. 

And  Avhosoever  shall  conspire  or  attempt  any  invasion,  in- 


80  EAIJLY    DOCUMENTS 

surreetioii,  orpublick  rebellion  against  the  Coninioii  Wealth  or 
shall  endeavour  to  surprise  any  T(jwn  or  tt'ort  or  shall  treach- 
erously anil  periidiously  attempt  the  alteration  <fe  subversion 
of  their  frame  of  Policy  or  (Tovernnient  fundamentall  he  shall 
be  putt  to  death. 

And  thus  matters  continuinl  in  New  England  untill  his 
Maj*''  happy  Ilestauration. 

In  October  IGGO  Kobert  Mason  made  his  complaint  to  his 
Maj^J'  setting  forth  his  Eight  and  Tttle  to  the  province  of  New 
Hampshire  with  the  i)roceedings  and  usurpations  of  the  said 
Corporation  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  Whereupon  his  Maj'-'^ 
was  pleased  to  referre  the  examination  of  his  right  and  title 
unto  S'"  Jeiiery  Palmer  his  Ma*^  Attorney  General  who  made 
report  therof  to  his  Maj*-^'  the  8'^  of  November  following  and 
the  examination  of  the  matter  fitact  and  coi. plaints  unto  S^' 
William  Turner  John  Eaton,  Giles  Sweet,  John  Mills,  Robert 
Mason  Docters  of  Law  S'  James  Bruce  S'^'  Richard  fiord 
Thomas  Povey  Esq  and  others  who  publickly  mett  severall 
days  in  the  Admiralty  Hall  in  Docters  Common  and  sum- 
mcmed  by  process  publickly  executed  at  the  Royall  Exchange 
upon  the  21*^  of  January  the  parties  interressed  where  appear- 
ed Captaine  John  Leverett  the  present  Governor  of  that  Cor- 
poration who  acknowledged  that  formerly  he  was  commission- 
ated  as  an  Agent  for  the  Massachusetts  Ba}^  But  that  now  he 
had  no  authority  to  appear  or  act  in  their  behalf  however  the 
said  Ca]3taine  Leverett  was  constantly  present  at  all  the  meet- 
ings and  heard  the  examinations  of  the  several  Witnesses  and 
ui)on  the  15*'^  day  of  flfebruary  then  following  the  said  Refer- 
rees  made  report  to  his  Ma*-^'  of  the  unjust  proceedings  usurpa- 
tions and  designs  of  the  Massaclmsets  Government  and  that 
the  said  Robert  Mason  hath  been  damnified  in  his  estate 
and  plantations  u])ward  of  ftifteen  thousand  })ounds. 

That  in  the  year  16(34  when  his  Maj^^"  sent  his  Commission- 
ers to  New  England  his  Maj*^'  Avas  pleased  jjarticularl}'  to 
recommend  to  the  Commissioners  the  settlement  of  that  pro- 
vince of  New  Hampshire,  and  taking  it  off  from  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Massachusets  and  the  said  Robert  Mason  did 
give  unto  Coll  Richard  Nichols  one  of  the  said  Cimimission- 
ers  A  deputation  for  his  more  legal  acting  therin  and  in  June 


liELA'ilNG    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  81 

1665  the  Coiumissioiiers  were  iu  tlie  province  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  in  most  of  tlie  considerable  Towns  where  they  sum- 
moned the  Inh;d)itants  to  appear  and  have  his  Maj**"  letters 
read  and  accordingly  the  Inhabitants  did  readily  meet,  (al- 
though they  were  commanded  by  the  Council  of  Boston  not 
to  appear,  or  give  any  obedience  to  the  Commands  of  his 
Maj*- **  Commissioners)  and  heard  his  Maj*'*  letters  read  wdiich 
gave  them  gi'eat  satisfaction  and  did  then  entreat  the  Com- 
missioners to  take  them  ofi'  from  the  Government  and  Juris- 
diction of  the  Massachusets  Bay,  and  the  Commissioners  did 
declare  unto  the  people  they  were  out  of  the  Jurisdiction  of 
the  Massachusets,  and  did  promise  them  that  they  would 
speedily  settle  the  Goveiiiment  of  that  province  But  the  Coun- 
cil at  Boston  did  violently  oppose  the  proceedings  of  the 
Comm^^  and  would  not  suffer  them  to  act  according  to  their 
Commission  the  present  Gov-ernor  M""  Leyerett  and  others 
entering  the  province  with  a  troop  of  horse  and  some  ffoot 
compelled  the  people  to  a  sul)mission  to  the  Massachusetts 
Government. 

However  Coll  Nichols  did  impower  Major  Nicholas  Shap- 
leigh  as  his  Deputy  to  take  care  of  the  concerns  of  that  proy- 
ince  who  accordingly  did  make  claime  in  the  behalf  of  the 
said  llobert  Mason  in  all  the  towns  within  the  limits  of  New 
Hampshire  the  Inhabitants  most  of  them  were  willing  to 
comply  although  Cap*  Walderne  M'"  Cutts  and  some  others 
did  encourage  some  to  the  Government  of  the  Massachusets 
they  having  possessed  themselves  of  great  tracts  of  improved 
lands  in  the  most  eminent  places  in  the  province,  and  fearing 
least  they  should  be  called  to  an  account  for  the  same  got 
some  people  to  petition  the  Massachusets  to  be  continued 
under  their  Jurisdiction. 

Nevertheless  the  Magistrates  of  Boston  did  endeavour  by 
large  promises  and  offers  to  have  brouglit  Joseph  Mason  the 
Agent  of  Eobert  Mason  to  com[)ly  with  them  and  to  gi'ant 
and  own  their  power  and  Jurisdiction  in  that  province  proffer- 
ing him  what  lands  he  would  desire  for  his  own  use  Buf  the 
said  Joseph  ^lason  rejected  all  their  offers  and  tenjptations. 

Then  tliey  employed  their  Secretary  M''  Rawson  unto  the 
said  Joseph  Mason  desiring  him  that  he  would  use  his  endea- 


82  EAIILY  DOCUMENTS 

vours  to  poi-8\vade  the  Proprietor  llobert  Musoii  to  a  couipli- 
ance  with  their  Government  and  afterwards  in  Septem  1067 
Cap*  llobert  Pike  came  fi-om  the  Ma<>;istrates  of  Boston  to 
Pascattawav  nnto  the  said  Joseph  Mason  who  was  then 
returning  for  EngLind  and  did  sollicitt  him  to  perswade  the 
said  Robert  Mason  to  a  compliance  with  the  Government  of 
the  Massachusetts  and  did  tell  him  that  the  Magistrates  were 
willing  to  restore  nnto  the  said  Robert  Mason  the  right  of  his 
lands  to  dispose  so  tliat  he  meddle  not  witli  the  Government 
of  the  Province. 

But  the  Government  finding  they  could  not  bring  the  said 
Robert  Mason  to  surrender  the  Government  of  his  province 
unto  thejn  bv  a  legal  resignation  or  acknowledge  them  for  his 
superiour  Lords  they  have  by  allways  and  means  contrived  to 
keep  him  out  of  the  possession  of  his  Inheritance. 

His  Maj*-^'  having  upcm  the  long  complaints  of  the  said 
Robert  Mason  summoned  the  Magistrates  of  Boston  to  ap- 
pear by  their  Agents  and  to  sliow  by  what  authority  or  pre- 
tence of  right  they  have  thus  acted  and  being  conscious  of 
their  usurpations  and  most  unjust  proceedings  they  did  in 
August  last  sollicit  the  Inhabitants  of  New  Hampshire  that 
they  would  ioine  by  multitudes  of  hands  to  excite  his  Maj*^' 
that  the}'  may  be  still  continued  under  their  authority  sug- 
gesting unto  the  people  that  if  once  the  Proprietor  be  reseized 
of  the  claimes  they  must  be  turned  out  of  their,  possession, 
and  have  imposed  fears  and  used  threatnings  towards  such  as 
shall  freely  declare  or  any  way  be  suspected  of  any  engage- 
ment in  the  present  proceedings  declaring  the  said  Robert 
Mason  to  have  forfeited  his  lands. 

(Endorsed)  Title  of  Rol).  Mason  to  New  Hampshire  in  New 
England. 


RELATING  TO  NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  83 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42      Page  138. 

(1679.    March.) 

M*"  Gorges  Selling  the  Province  of  Maine  to  y"  Massachusetts 
&  overtures  to  M'"  Mason  from  y*  Colony  for  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

May  it  please  yo*"  Lorclshipp 

I  think  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  yo^  Lordship  That  M'" 
Gorges  either  out  of  a  distrust  of  his  Maj'*'  Justice  of  doing  him 
right,  or  else  overcome  by  the  Hollicitations  of  the  Boston 
Agents  or  some  employed  by  them.  He  hath  sould  the  Pro- 
vince of  Maine  and  the  Governm*  therof  to  them.  Notwith- 
standing his  often  offers  to  his  Maj*'''  and  his  Maj*^'  seeming 
inclinations  of  buying  that  province  of  him,  which  would  have 
been  of  great  concerne  to  his  Maj*^'**  affaires  in  that  part  of 
the  world. 

Overtures  have  also  been  lately  made  tf)  me  for  my  Pro- 
vince I  haue  hitherto  declined  the  thoughts  of  a  Treaty  (al- 
though for  many  years  oppressed  by  that  Governm'  of  the 
Massachusets)  in  confidence  that  his  Maj'-^  will  doe  himself 
and  me  right  by  establishtng  his  owne  Eoyall  authority  in 
New  England. 

Yo^'  Lordi^'^  most  humble  Servant 

Egbert  Mason 

Read  March  :  25  att  Com*''''  No  farther  Consideration  had 
of  the  pro^dnce  of  maine  this  was  rejected 

Read  againe  }•'"  28  And  ordered  tliat  his  Ma*'^  be  agaiue 
moved  in  Couneell  tm  this  matter. 


^^  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vol.  42.     Page  212. 

(1679.    J,n,.4:.) 

Abstract   of  Letters   received  fioiu  M"'  llaiidolpli. 
New  EDgland. 

That  upon  the  30*''  of  December  last  he  had  del'^  His  Ma'^^ 
Commission  for  Setliiig  the  Goverumen'  of  New  Hampshire 
together  with  the  Seale  and  Order  of  Conncill  into  tlie  hands 
of  the  President. 

That  M""  Cutts  the  President  is  a  very  jnst  and  honest  man, 
cast  out  of  all  Publick  Emplovm*  hy  the  Government  of  Bos- 
ton.    That  he  is  an  ancient  and  infirme  man. 

That  the  People  are  afraid  that  they  shall  be  put  under  the 
hands  of  Strangers. 

That  the  People  of  Boston  murmur  at  the  great  expenses 
of  their  late  Agents  in  England  some  say  of  nigh  4000^ 

That  grevous  Complaints  are  made  by  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Pro-vdnce  of  Maine  who  in  the  late  Indian  War  found 
more  loss  c^^  misclieif  attending  them  by  the  Cowardize  & 
inadvertency  of  their  Church  Member  Officers  than  from  the 
Cruelty  of  the  Indians  themselves.  The  Boston  government 
have  now  laid  Rates  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Townes  of 
Kittery,  Yorke  A"  W^ells  to  above  8000*-  wliich  they  cannot  pay 
lia\dng  lost  almost  all  by  the  late  W^ar. 

That  he  found  the  People  all  the  way  he  travelled  (except 
the  Colony  of  New  Plym*'')  very  much  unsetled  contending 
about  lands  <t  Boundaries  Every  one  Supposing  He  had 
brought  Orders  from  Court  for  setling  <S:  confirming  tlieir  par- 
ticular Colonies. 

That  the  Government  of  Boston  continue  still  to  collect 
customs  &  Coine  money. 

That  there  is  hardly  one  child  baptized  in  all  the  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island  &  none  lately  in  tlie  Province  of  Maine  tfe  few 
in  any  other  oi  the  Colonies. 

That  nothing  at  present  will  be  more  welcome  to  the  Gener- 
ality of  the  People  then  His  Ma*''''  letter  to  the  Colonies  re- 
quiring that  none  be  admitted  to  the  Magistracy  or  freedom 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  85 

but  such  who  do  now  take  the  Oath  of  Allegiance  aud  that 
their  Children  be  admitted  to  Baptisme. 

That  Ho  has  discoursed  with  some  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Province  of  Maine  who  would  in  a  little  time  advance  so 
much  money  as  the  Bostoners  have  given  for  it  provided 
they  might  be  assured  of  a  Governm'  to  be  settled  amongst 
them  as  it  was  by  C'omission  from  M'  Gorges  distinct  from 
any  other  place. 

That  there  is  an  absolute  necessity  of  Erecting  a  Great 
Couucill  chosen  out  of  the  chiefest  &  best  of  Every  Colony 
with  a  President  to. 

Lastly  He  makes  his  Bequest  to  the  Lords  for  some  allow- 
ance for  his  extraordinary  Expences  which  are  very  gi'eat  in 
His  Ma*^*"  Service. 

Then  follows  S*"  Ed.  Andros  letters  fi-om  New  York 
(An  abstract.) 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Page  424-5. 

(IfiSO.     Abstract.) 

To  the  Eight  hon''"'  the  Lords  Committees  of  Trade  A:  Plan- 
tacons. 

The  humble  peticon  of  Bobert  Mason  Proprietor  of  the  jjro- 
vince  of  New  Hampshire  in  New  England  against  y®  Mas- 
sachusets.     Sheweth 

That  yo""  pet'"^  Grandfather  by  virtue  of  a  Grant  fi'om  King 
James  in  the  Eighteenth  year  of  his  Beign,  was  the  sole  and 
legal  proprietor  of  the  province  of  New  hampshire  in  New 
England  wlierein  he  did  expend  upward  of  22000"^ 

That  in  1676  there  came  over  [from  tin-  Massachusetts]  Two 


86  EARTA'    DOrUMEXTS 

of  those  Magistrates  coid missioned  as  their  Agents  wherupou 
there  were  Sundry  hearings  before  his  Maj*>  Councill.  The 
Lords  Committees  of  Trade  and  plantations,  and  the  Lcn'ds 
Cheif  Justices  before  whom  the  said  Agents  did  disclaim  all 
right  and  title  to  the  Lands  claimed  by  yo*'  pef  and  only 
insisted  upon  the  Gov(>rnm*  of  a  part  therof. 

That  accordingly  his  Maj*'  by  his  Koyall  Commissions  in 
September  last  did  establish  his  authority  in  a  great  part  of 
that  province  and  constitute  a  President  &  Councill  for  Gov- 
erning therof  by  which  means  yo*'  pet"^  has  possession  award- 
ed him  of  that  part  of  the  province  that  lyes  between  the 
Rivers  of  Pascataway  and  Merrimack  fltbr  the  other  part  of 
the  said  province  of  New  hampshire  which  they  still  usurp,  A 
Report  for  setling  yo'^'  pet'"*'  right  theninto  Avas  prepared  by 
jif  Lordships  order  But  by  reason  of  the  Earnest  Sollici- 
tatious  of  the  said  Agents  (who  had  been  here  neer  Three 
years)  to  return  home  to  take  care  of  their  owne  domestick 
affaires  yo^'  pet^'  did  not  then  press  the  reading  of  the  said 
Report  upon  their  desires  and  Engagement,  that  other  Agents 
should  come  over  in  Six  Months  according  to  his  Maj*''  Let- 
ters of  June  1679  upon  dismission  of  the  said  Agents  within 
Six  months  to  receive  his  Royall  pleasure  That  tlie  time  of 
their  appearence  being  long  since  elapsed  without  any  ap- 
pointment of  other  Agents  to  be  sent  hither,  that  Governm* 
building  their  hopes  that  some  disturbance  here  at  home  or 
warrs  abroad  will  divert  his  Maj'-^'  from  looking  towards  them 
being  the  occasion  of  this  their  high  contempt  of  his  Maj'** 
Commands  according  to  the  long  continued  Maxim  of  that 
people. 

Yo*"  pet^"  therefore  most  humbly  prays  That  in  regard  he  is 
with  the  first  conveniene  goi:  g  to  New  England  to  settle  his 
affairs  and  the  said  Governm*  having  plainly  disobeyed  his 
Maj*^  Commands  to  send  over  such  Agents  That  yo""  Lord- 
ships willbe  pleased  to  offer  the  said  Report  to  his  Maj*^'  for 
his  Royall  determination  therin.  And  that  yo'"  pef  may  not 
any  longer  be  kept  out  of  his  inheritance  (which  his  Ances- 
tors have  purchased  at  soe  dear  a  rate)  by  the  injustice,  vio- 
lence, and  Dehiyes  of  his  Adversaries  cheifly  occasioned  by 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMSPHIKE.  87 

his  adhering  to  the  Crown  and  refusal!  to  Submit  to  their 
Governm*      And  }o''  pet'"  shall  ever  pray 

EoBERT  Mason 

Endorsed.    Petition   of  M'"  Mason   Against   the  Massachu- 
setts   Eec'i  the  G*^  of  Aug  1680. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Page  448-9. 

(1681,  May  7.) 
From  the  Councill  of  New  Hampshire  to  the  CV)mm*'^*' 

May  it  please  yo'"  Lo^'^  At  the  same  time  tliat  We  received 
His  Ma'®  Royal  Letter  to  us  dated  the  first  of  October  1680, 
by  the  hands  of  Robert  Mason  Esq''  which  was  about  y*^  latter 
end  of  Decemb'"  folio wiug;  We  had  the  Him""  to  receiv  an- 
other from  yo"^  Lordships  by  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  M'" 
Chamberlain  W^herein  is  required  of  us  to  transmit  to  yo'"  Loi'** 
a  Quarterly  Account  of  all  the  public  transactions  it  important 
aliairs  of  His  Ma***  Province  which  are  specified  more  particu- 
larly in  yo'"  said  Letter  But  liere  W^e  most  humbly  beg  His 
Ma***  Gracious  pardon  A'  yo''  Lo^"^  favorable  thoughts  in  that 
particular,  since  W^e  cannot  have  so  frequent  opportunities  in 
this  place  as  We  desire  (especially  in  the  winter  season)  of 
sending  into  England  This  conveyance  by  Capt"  Peck  being 
y*"  first  from  this  Proyince  since  the  arrival  of  His  Ma'^  Com- 
mands signified  by  vo'"  Loi'**  And  like  wise  the  first  since  His 
Ma**  Royal  Commiss"  to  us  And  as  often  as  we  slial  have 
them,  W^e  shal  not  fail  (with  Gods  permission)  to  make  use 
of  such  opportunities,  to  send  Avithin  j^  times  j^refixed.  ffor 
ye  pi-esent  we  shal  endeavour  to  do  Our  Duty  to  His  Ma*-^'  in 
presenting  Yo""  Loi'**  with  those  Accounts  &  informations  re- 
quired of  us  in  yo*'  Letter  to  Us,  in  y''  Same  Order  A:  method, 
as  to  their  several  heads,  in  which  they  are  set  doAvu  therein. 

And  first,  as  a  Civil  matters,  We  humbly  referr  Yo*"  Lo^''* 


88  EARLY    DOCUMENTS 

to  y*"  vit'w  of  our  Laws,  iV:  of  Our  Acts  iV  Orders,  which  We 
from  time  to  time  have  made  <t  pass'd  (ct  now  seut)  siuce  y 
arrival  cV:  in  pursuance  of  His  Ma''*  Gracious  &  Royal  Com- 
mission :  There  being  litle  of  note,  A:  worthy  to  be  communi- 
cated to  yo""  LoP"  relating  to  that  General  head,  but  what  is  to 
be  found  among  those  Laws,  Acts,  Orders  &  entries  All  which 
We  find  very  satisfactory  to  y''  People  tV:  ct)ndncing  nnich  to 
their  Peace  &  quiet. 

As  for  Ecclesastics,  those  affairs  remain  as  formerly  Each 
Town  of  y*"  Province  is  sup]ily'd  with  an  Orthodox  Minister, 
to  y*"  satisfaccon  of  His  Ma'"*  Subieets. 

Concerning  our  Military  discipline,  We  must  likewise  referr 
much  of  that  to  y*'  Councel's  Acts  for  appointing  Officers,  S: 
exercising  y^'  Souldiers.  There  is  at  y''  Great  Island  in  Ports- 
mouth at  y®  Little  harbour  mouth  a  fi'ort  wel  enough  situated, 
but  for  y''  present  too  weak  it  insufficient  for  the  Defence  of 
y^  place,  The  Guns  (being  eleven  in  number)  are  small  none 
exceeding  a  Sacre,  nor  above  2100  waight ;  and  y''  People  too 
poor,  to  make  defence  suitable  to  y**  occasion  tliat  may  hap- 
jien  for  y'"  fibrt.  These  Guns  were  bought,  S:  the  fi'ortification 
erected  at  the  proper  charges  of  the  Towns  of  Dover  tt 
Portsmouth,  at  the  beginuirg  of  y''  first  Dutch  war,  about  the 
Year  iG'o,  in  obedience  to  His  Ma***  Commands,  in  His  Lett'' 
to  y''  Government,  under  which  this  Province  then  was,  There 
are  five  Guns  more  lying  at  the  upper  part  of  Portsm  pur- 
chased b}'  private  persons  for  their  security  and  defence 
against  the  Indians  in  the  late  war  with  them ;  and  wherof 
the  owners  may  dispose  at  their  pleasure.  To  supjily  y*"  fore- 
said defect  tVr  weakness  of  the  Guns  A'  tfort  "We  Juimbly  sup- 
plicate His  Ma*y  to  send  us  such  Guns  as  shal  be  more  ser- 
^dceable,  with  pouder  &  shot  agreeable  The  income  of  the 
pouder  6c  customs  for  y''  maintenance  of  y''  said  fort  is  insert- 
ed after  y*"  Acts  &  Orders.  The  Trade  of  this  Province  ex- 
ported by  y*'  inhaljitants  of  its  own  produce,  is  in  masts, 
planks  A'  boards,  staves,  &  all  other  lumber.  AVhicli  at 
present  is  of  litle  value  in  other  plantacims,  to  which  they  are 
transpoi-ted ;  So  that  we  see  no  other  way  for  y"  advantage  of 
the  Trade,  unless  His  Ma^^  i)lease  to  make  Our  River  of  Pas- 
cataqua  a  free  Port.     Importacon  by  strangers,  of  litle  value  ; 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE. 


8d 


Ships  comonly  selling  y^  Cargos  in  other  Governments,  And 
if  they  come  liere,  usually  come  empty,  to  til  ^ith  lumber : 
but  if  hapil}-  they  are  at  any  time  loacleu  with  any  fish,  it  is 
brought  from  other  parts,  there  being  none  made  in  our  Pro- 
vince. 

In  reference  to  improvement  of  the  Land  by  Tillage,  Our 
soil  is  generally  so  barren,  &  y"  winters  so  extreme  cold  & 
long,  that  there  is  not  pro\'ision  enough  raised,  to  supply  j^ 
inhabitants.  Many  whereof  were  in  y*"  late  Indian  War  so 
impovished,  their  houses  <fe  estates  being  destroyed,  &  they  (& 
others)  remaining  stil  so  incapacitated  for  y*"  improveinent  of 
y^  laud  ( several  of  y*"  youth  being  killed  also )  that  they  even 
grone  under  y*^  tax  or  Rate  assess'd  for  that  service,  which  is 
yet  (great  part  of  it)  unpaid  to  this  da}'. 

Thus  Ave  have  given  Yo^  Lo^'®  a  full  &:  we  hope  a  satisfac- 
tory Account  of  all  the  important  matters  of  this  ProAonce, 
according  to  the  best  of  our  endeavours  &  understandings 
And  if  we  have  err'd  or  come  short  in  am-  thing  properl}-  to 
be  required  of  us.  We  humbly  beg  30'  Loi'"  pardon,  &  further 
Commands  by  way  of  ad^-ice  Avherein  We  may  amend  A*  pre- 
sent yo'"  Loi'**  with  a  better  mformacon  for  the  future,  libr 
We  are 

May  it  please  To'"  Loi'f 

You'"  most  Obedient  Servants 
Dated  at  Portsm.  Richard  Waldern  president 

May  7*^  1681  Elias  Stileman  dep^  p-'sid' 

(Addressed)      To     the     Right     Richard  Martyn 
Hon''^^  Lords  of  His  Ma^^  Most     W"?  Vaughan 
jjojjbie  pi-ivy  Councel  The  Com-     Tho  Daniel 
mittee  for  Trade   and  Planta-     John  Gillman 
cons  at  Whitehall  Christoper  Hussey 

Present.  Samuel  Dalton 

ReC^  y«  20**^  Sept  1681  Job  Clements 

R.  Chamberlain,  Seer. 


90  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Pagks  438-9. 

(IfiSl.    M<ni  14.) 

From  M'   Chamberlain  to  M''  Bl\thvvayt 

Sir,  The  last  time  I  had  y'"  Hon'"  to  Avait  on  you,  to  receiv 
your  Instructions,  you  were  pleased  to  la}-  jo'"  commands 
upon  me  to  two  things  chiefly  ;  To  do  my  Duty  according  to 
the  tenour  of  my  Place  <fe"  Commission,  in  relacon  to  the  pub- 
lic ;  without  taking  open  notice  of  my  friend  M^-  Mason's  pri- 
yate  concerns  ;  and  also  to  write  to  you  wheresoever  I  should 
be.  The  latter  has  bin  done  hitherto,  from  y'^  Isle  of  Wight 
k  Boston  :  I  hope  you  have  rec'd  my  Letters.  The  other  re- 
mains to  give  an  Account  of  which  I  hope  wil  not  be  disa- 
greeable, since  (I  am  sure)  I  have  endeavoured  with  y^  best 
of  my  Judgment  faithfully  to  execute  yo""  orders.  And  there- 
fore when  y"  Councel  four  several  times  at  y  time  of  y*^  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  proposed,  press'd  k  threaten'cl  if  I  refused  ye 
Oath  of  Secrecy  (which  I  liave  related  in  my  Narrative  to  y** 
Lords,)  I  told  them  it  was  my  purpose  to  demean  my  self  with 
a  Deference  to  His  Ma*^  Councel  here,  as  became  me :  but  so 
as  by  the  Law  of  England  that  ancient  k  hon''^''  service  of 
Homage  was  wont  to  be  performed,  that  is,  saving  y"  faith  k 
allegiance  I  ow'd  to  Our  Soueraign  Lord  y*^  King,  k  my  Su- 
periour  Lords,  And,  to  conclude  this  passage  of  y*"  Oath,  I 
moved,  as  a  middle  expedient  I  might  have  it  respited  til  I 
should  hear  out  of  England  k  if  y''  Lords  of  y**  Councel  com- 
manded me  to  it,  I  should  be  ready  to  sAvear  :  but  after  that, 
being  set  upon  by  y*"  whole  Posse  Comitatus  of  Councel  Ordi- 
nary, k  Extraordinary  their  Arch-Bishop  (<fe  Chief  Justice 
too)  Mr.  Moody,  that  is  sui  k  iitriusq.  Juris  k  y""  other 
Ministers  of  the  Province  of  State  I  should  have  said  k  sev- 
eral from  Boston  being  prsent,  I  said  it  was  to  me  a  wonder 
to  hear  of  this  matter,  which  themselves  objected  to  me  (upon 
occasion  of  my  taking  notes)  that  it  was  resjiited  ;  k  therefore 
I  positively  declared,  I  neither  could,  nor  would  derogate 
from  His  Ma*^  Commission,  let  them  do  as  the}-  pleased  with 
me.     I  said  even  now  that  M""  Moody  was  of  v'"  Councel  vir- 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE,  91 

tually  &  SO  I  l)eleev  M'"  Mason  wil  inform  jou  of  his  Superin- 
tenclency  in  all  affairs  public  tV:  private  :  but  I  confess  T  told 
him,  he  was  none  of  y^  Councel.  It  was  upon  his  inculcation 
of  my  Secrecy-Oath,  &  construction  of  y^  words  of  my  Com- 
mission, hinting  to  me  that  therel)j  I  was  directed  to  be  ser- 
viceable to  be  Councel ;  to  which  I  reply'd,  he  might  please 
to  take  notice  of  j''  copulative  [assistant  A:  serviceable.]  But 
how  ever  it  was,  he  then  so  much  resented  it,  that  I  fear  I 
have  done  my  business  for  a  Church  member. 

The  Laws  were  made  (as  far  as  y''  Councel  have  power  to 
be  legislative)  and  pul)lished  iust  as  we  came  (all  but  that  for 
Courts,  &  y^  Rate,  now  lately  done)  When  they  were  read  at 
y''  asseml)ly,  in  order  to  correction  &  amendment  I  made  my 
remarks  (such  as  they  were)  and  first  took  exceptions  to  y® 
whole  System  in  general  being  collected  mostly  out  of  the 
Massachusets  Laws  (&  surely  it  could  not  wel  stand  with  y^ 
mind  &  pleasure  of  His  Maty  that  we  here  should  cast  off  obe- 
dience to  their  Jurisdictions,  &  yet  voluntarily  submit  to,  & 
yoak  our  selves  so  inseperably  to  their  Laws, )  &  then  because 
unnecessary,  the  King  having  sent  a  great  Volume  of  Laws 
copiously  &  accurately  done  to  their  hands.  I  did  likewise 
make  my  obiections  sereatim  to  some  different  &  repugnant 
ones ;  as  to  y*  of  punishing  Manslaughter  with  death  ;  disal- 
lowing mariage  by  Divines  &  giving  y'^  power  to  y®  Councel 
(but  that  was  amended  as  to  y*"  former  part,)  &  to  that  arbi- 
trary Sentence  in  case  of  fforuication  of  fine,  mamage,  cor- 
pt)ral  punishment,  or  all,  or  any  of  them  :  S:  that  was  like- 
wise qualified  Avith  Deletion  of  y®  words  (or  all)  To  y*' mak- 
ing Larceny,  Robery  t'e  Burglary  not  ftelony,  nor  punishable 
by  Death,  ])ut  after  a  third  time,  at  y*^  discretion  of  the  Court 
The  Law  ft)r  false  witness  is  defferent,  &  others  y*  of  connfir- 
macon  I  concei\  ij)so  facto  repugnant.  But  my  Excepcons 
were  over-ruled  unless  in  y''  al)ove  menconed  amendments  & 
some  verbal  &  literal  errata. 

There  was  a  Protestacon  desired  to  be  entered  by  M'"  Ma- 
son as  to  y*'  said  Law  of  confirmacon  of  Town  gi'ants,  &  I  de- 
sired to  speak  to  it,  and  give  my  Opinion,  as  it  is  ])art  of  the 
(■ommissitm,  I  grounded  upon  some  Rules  of  Law,  that  they 
had    disabled    themselves   from    being    mediators   thereby    <fc 


92  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

compared  it  to  some  known  cases  in  y^  Law  of  England  ttc. 
How  some  of  the  People,  by  y*'  unlucky  example  of  the  chief 
here,  have  thro'  fear  perhaps,  as  wel  as  insincerity  opposed,  is 
a  matter  y*  I  for  my  own  particular  have  reason  enough  to 
deplore,  besides  that  of  frieudshi'  but  y*"  circumstances  M'" 
Mason  wil  inform  you.  Tis  Time  <fe  a  litle  more  of  his  indus- 
trious spirit  y*  wil  I  hope  in  God,  perfect  this  affair  Avel  be- 
gun, to  our  contents  I  shal  never  be  wanting  (observing  yo«" 
instructions  of  moderation  ttc)  to  assert  his  right  as  I  have 
hitherto  done,  when  any  fair  opportunity  has  jjresented  it  self, 
tt  that  to  y*^  best  of  my  wil  &  understanding  ct  I  have  ever  de- 
fended or  excused,  whenever  he  has  been  uniustly  opposed, 
or  charged. 

One  observation  (amongst  many)  I  am  desirous  not  to  proe- 
termit,  which  is  this.  The  word  (case.s)  since  they  stand 
upon  every  word  in  y**  latter  part  of  y'^  Commission  concern- 
ing y®  agi"eement,  that  seems  advantageous,  I  thought,  was 
material,  as  showing  y''  entendment  of  y*^  Commission,  that 
taking  M'  Mason's  right  for  granted,  &  as  a  thing  paramoirnt 
where  some  special  subsequent  matter  (be  it  what  it  wil)  as 
disagi'eement  about  y®  value  of  y®  land,  rent  or  some  other 
unforeseen  matter,  made  y^  Cases  doubtful ;  there  such  cases 
should  be  stated  S:  transmitted  ;  but  it  was  never  inteded  to 
give  a  general  power  to  disagree,  for  that  would  be  but  one 
Case,  &  not  Cases.  And  y®  Councel  must  needs  be  intended 
by  His  Ma*''  to  be  wel  satisfied  of  the  clear  right,  which  him- 
self declared  in  Councel,  when  he  made  them  Eeconcilers,  els 
it  would  have  bin  against* Law  &  a  -wTong  (which  y**  King  can- 
not do,)  to  make  y®  Parties  (the  Councel  being  tenants)  too) 
Judges  of  y*"  Case ;  for  it  is  not  reasonable,  to  think  they 
would  give  Judgment  against  themselvs  :  which  was  y®  reason 
M""  Mason  declined  their  hearing  his  Case  Avho  thus  unaccount- 
ably stood  out.  Certainly  y*^  Maxime  of  Law  is  good  ;  That 
things  of  this  nature  should  be  taken  by  entendment,  equity, 
&  that  all  y'"  parts  may  be  expounded  one  by  another,  Ut  res 
*  magis  valeat  quam  pereat. 

But,  Sir,  I  fear  I  have  trangress'd  in  tliis  length  out  of  a 
through  desire  to  do  my  duty,  &  trespassd  u])on  yo'"  more 
worthy  im})loyment  of  yo''  time  I  beg  yo""  ])ardon,  t^-  (if  you 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIEE.  93 

please)  yo''  assistance,  for  some  better  setlemeiit  in  this  hard 
&  not  very  vel  uatured  phice ;  and  that  I  may  stil  l)e  con- 
tinued (paralel  to  the  true  respect  I  have  for  yo''  Mortli )  in  ye 
hon'"  to  be,  Sir 

Yo*"  most  obliged  &  faithful  Serv* 

KiCH  :  Chamberlain 
Portsm  May  14"»  1681 

(Addressed)    These   To  William    Blatliwait,  Esq'  Present 
Whit  eh  al 

(Endorsed)   Eec'^  v^  24  Julv  1681    Eead  10  Nov'-  1681 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Page  452-3 

(1681.     Mmj  16.) 

Lre  from  M'^  Chamberlain 
May  it  please  yo''  Lordships. 

In  obedience  to  yo''  Lo^'^  Commands  by  j-o*"  Letter  of  \^ 
ffirst  of  October  last  requiring  me  to  give  yo''  Lo^*  an  account 
of  all  matters  transacted  in  the  Office  of  Secretary  (&  Clark  of 
y''  Couucel)  of  this  Pro\dnce  of  New-Hampshire  I  humbly 
present  to  yo''  Loi"'  this  following  narrative. 

Upcjn  the  Twenty -fourth  of  December  I  arrived  at  Ports- 
mouth at  the  House  of  John  Cutt  Esq''  then  President,  since 
lately  deceased,  unto  whom  I  delivered  yo'"  Lo^^^  Letter  of 
Septemb'"  30*''  1680:  and  sliow'd  him  His  Ma*''  Commission, 
whereby  I  was  appointed  Secretary  for  y^' Province  and  Clark 
of  the  Councel. 

Upon  the  28*^^  of  Decemb'"  the  Councel  met,  Avhere  y'^  said 
Comission  and  yo'^  Loi"*  Letter  were  publicly  read;  It  was 
debated  about  three  days,  whether  they  should  admit  nie,  or 
not,  but  at  length  upon  y"  30*''  of  the  said  Month  I  was  .idmit- 
ted  According  to  y"  Duty  of  my  Place  &:  Office,  I  did  desire 
the  Books  papers  S:  rec(n-ds  of  y'^  Councels  proceedings  to  be 


94:  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

delivered  to  me,  which  were  iu  the  hands  of  M'.'  Stileiium  On<» 
of  y"^  Coimcel,  ffor  y'' Councel  book,  it  was  denied  nie,  upon 
p'tence  that  there  was  not  any,  then  desiring  one  to  l)e  made, 
I  was  told  y*"  Country  was  poor,  ttc  but  afterAvards  at  their 
Meeting  in  March  I  had  a  \\'ast-book  of  y*^  Councel's  Acts  <fe 
Orders  deliver'd  me  to  transcribe  &  keep  y^  fairer  book  then 
brought,  being  to  remain  in  y*^  hands  still  of  M"^  Stileman  ti'or 
the  records  Ar  papers  recorded  (as  on  file)  he  retains  them 
too,  as  an  Officer  called  Recorder,  &  is  besides  Clerk  of  y^ 
Writs,  besides  Capt"  of  the  ffort,  as  appears  in  y*^  general  Ac- 
count to  }\f  Loi'!  fibr  to  make  my  Comission  insignificant, 
they  have  appointed  three  among  themselves  to  be  parcel- 
Secretaries  or  Registers  of  \^  Province,  viz ;  y'"  foresaid  Stile- 
man (for  y*"  matters  aforesaid)  for  Portsmouth  &  Dover  ; 
Samuel  Dalton  for  Hampton  &  Exceter ;  and  Richard  Martin 
to  take  account  of  all  ships  &  other  Vessels  coming  in  &  going 
out.  I  have  informed  y**  Couucel  here  what  I  take  to  be  y 
LaAv  in  this  case,  that  persons  that  are  Judges  in  any  Court 
of  Judicature  cannot  regularly  be  ministers  also  at  y®  same 
Court  &  it  is  derogatory  to  His  Ma*-^'  establishment,  to  have 
the  Deputy  President  of  the  Province  &  a  Law  maker,  so  mean 
an  Officer  as  to  be  a  maker  of  wi*its  &  attachments.  The  fees  I 
do  receiv,  are  so  inconsiderable  they  are  not  worth  y*^  nam- 
ing ;  and  for  my  Salary  &  perquisits  I  should  receiv  (that  I 
may  live,)  as  it  is  directed  in  my  Commission  to  be  settled 
according  to  y*'  measure  of  other  (His  Ma*"*)  Plantacons,  they 
do  not  think  tit  to  do  it,  so  that  I  have  hitherto  but  the  bare 
name  of  an  office,  y'"  profits  being  shared  amongst  y'"  foresaid 
persons  I  do  therefor  humbly  beg  Yo*'  Loi''?  favour  in  my  be- 
half;  that  His  Maj^"^  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  establish  y'' 
Salary,  with  Commands  to  the  Councel  to  pay  it,  tt  that  I 
may  inioy  y"  Place  of  more  than  a  nominal  Secretary,  tt  Reg- 
ister (or  Clerk  of  y"  Councel)  &  y*-'  issuing  forth  writs  with  y'" 
other  due  perquisits  as  appurtenant  it  part  of  y^'  Place. 

Upon  the  Second  of  March  the  Councel  tt  Deputies  met, 
being  called  the  General  Assembly  to  hear  A])peals  having 
formerly  declared  themselves  to  be  (a  Court  of  Appeals  (but 
tliey  have  no  such  power  by  His  Ma^**  Commission,  which  ap- 
])()ints  Appeals  to  His  Ma"  before  yo''  L(.''*' )  and  to  n'view  y'" 


RELATING   TO    NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  95 

Laws  tliey  had  made,  at  tlieir  former  Meetings  an  Abstract 
whereof  are  by  this  Ship  sent'  to  Yo^'  Lo^^  for  His  Ma*^  allow- 
ance I  gave  my  Opinion  as  they  were  read,  which  of  them 
were  diU'erent,  which  repugnant  to  j°  Laws  of  England  <t  y" 
Comissiou  as  I  conceived  that  for  confirmation  of  titles  <fe 
Town-grants  to  be  which  are  declared  by  His  Ma*''  Commis- 
sion (k  Letters  to  be  illegal,  as  Yo''  Lo^"*  have  at  the  Hearings 
before  you  concerning  M''  Mason's  interest  given  yo*'  Judg- 
ments. 

I  desire  to  acijuaint  Yo''  Lo'."*  that  the  C'ouncel  several  times 
would  have  imposed  an  Oath  of  Secrecy  upon  me,  &  that  I 
should  not  enter  any  matter  or  debate  or  give  account  of  any 
])assages  but  what  they  should  Order,  which  I  have  refused, 
as  being  inconsistent  with  my  Commission  (by  virtue  whereof 
T  hold  myself  to  lie  in  tt  so  admitted,  A'  from  which  1  was 
very  unwilling  to  derogate)  Yo^'  Lo^""  ( Jommands,  &  j*^'  Nature 
tt  Duty  of  my  Place  It  was  hinted,  that  if  I  would  not  take 
this  Oath,  I  should  not  be  Secretary  here.  Afterwards  it  was 
moved,  that  when  they  had  any  private  business,  I  sljould 
withdraw  I  told  them,  they  might  use  tluii-  pleasure  ;  but  I 
was  not  willing  to  suspend  myself.  It  was  reply'd,  They 
knew  Avliat  they  had  to  do  :  whereupon  it  is  ccmiectured, 
they  debate  matters  before  they  came  to  y"  usual  place  of 
Session. 

The  Deputies  for  y''  several  Towns  are  Eleven,  named  (it  is 
thought)  by  the  Councel  iV  that  they  will  not  admit  any  per- 
son to  give  vote  in  election  of  Deputies  but  ^hom  they  please 
I  was  at  the  Eh^ction  at  Dover  in  tl'ebr,  last;  where  M'"  Mason 
took  y''  opjxntunity  of  making  himself  known  to  the  inhabi- 
tants, \:  discovering  his  interest  as  Proprietor,  c\:  making  of- 
fers of  contirujation  tV  grant  according  to  His  Ma*""  Proposi- 
tion ;  wherewith  many  were  wel  satisfied.  At  that  time 
several  Demanded  their  liberty  to  vote,  which  was  deny'd  by 
Maj'' Waldron,  now  President,  It  was  then  said,  there  were 
not  thirty  persons  allowed  of  Ar  M'"  Mason  withdrawing,  was 
followed  !)>  a  many  complaining,  that  about  a  hundred  tt  fifty 
persons  were  excluded  from  voting;  tlio'  all  of  them  (it  Avas 
saiil)  pay  great  Taxes. 

The    Counsel   have    wiit    a  Jjetter  to  give  Yo''  Lo';""  an  ac- 


96  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

count  of  tlie  state  of  the  Province  ;  aud  yo'"  Lo'"*  may  please  tb 
receiv  that  of  M''  Mason,  now  going  for  Enghind,  wlio  perhaps 
will  give  it  more  fully  A:  particularly  as  to  the  place  aud  per- 
sons, having  been  in  most  parts  therof. 

And  here  I  crave  leave  to  give  Yo*"  Lo^'"  iiiforiiiacon  of  a 
matter  of  perhaps  the  greatest  moment  in  this  Province  ;  that 
is  what  has  ])ass'd  in  reference  to  y''  said  M'"  Mason  the  law- 
ful Pro[)rietor  therof,  so  declared  bj*  His  Ma'-^  and  his  Learn- 
ed Oouncel ;  and  oni'  of  the  Councel ;  and  wlioni  His  Ma*-^ 
hath  been  [)leased  to  take  care  for,  S:  settle  his  affaires  A- 
interest  in  y''  same  Royal  Commission  whereby  He  hath  estal)- 
lished  His  Government  here  His  Ma'-^  was  pleased  at  M\ 
Mason's  coming  into  this  Province  to  appoint  him  l)y  His 
lioyal  Letter  to  be  of  y''  Councel  thereon,  and  did  declare  his 
legal  right  to  y''  said  Province  according  to  his  Royall  Com- 
mission of  y*^  18*^  Septemb*'  1679  ;  Requiring  the  Councel  to 
publish  the  same.  The  President  John  Cutt  l)eing  ill,  the 
Councel  defer'd  y*^  publicacon  til  tfebr  :  but  so  soon  as  it  was 
published,  wherein  His  Ma*^  had  declared  the  Agreement 
made  on  their  behalf  with  M''  Mason  as  to  their  improved 
lands,  aud  about  y**  same  time  M^'  Mason  fixing  up  his  Dec- 
laration for  satisfaction  of  the  People  on  his  part ;  the  People 
came  in  fi'om  all  parts  and  welcomed  him  into  the  Country,  de- 
siring a  confirmation  of  their  estates  in  their  lauds,  &  to  take 
Grants  for  y^  same  with  addition  of  more  laud,  some  of  them 
having  lived  in  these  parts  above  Twenty  years  &  yet  could 
never  obtain  y''  least  parcel  of  land  for  their  convenience  of 
trade  &  living  (as  many  of  them  in  my  hearing  complained) 
So  that  in  a  short  time  near  half  the  Province  had  bin  with 
him,  and  eutred  their  names  with  me  as  Secretary  of  the  Pro- 
vince, most  of  them  complaining  of  the  heavy  bui'theus  &  op- 
pressions the}'  lay  under  But  there  hath  not  bin  that  good 
understanding  between  M''  Mason  and  the  Councel,  as  I  sup- 
pose. His  Ma*>  might  reasonably  expect,  he  having  (it  seems) 
refused  some  Proposals  made  by  them  at  his  first  comiug 
about  their  undertaking  to  raise  a  yearly  rent  payable  to  him 
upon  each  Town  of  the  Pro^dnce,  and  to  be  managed  by  them 
He  declaring,  that  he  would  treat  with  every  one  apart,  and  let 
them  lands  as  he  should  see  cause,  and  if  any  of  his  Tenants 


RELATING    TO   NEW   HAIVLPSHIRE.  97 

afterward  had  inst  occassiou  of  complaint,  be  oould  &  would 
ease  them  at  his  pleasure,  and  would  not  trust  that  power  to 
others :  the  People  generally  desiring  also  to  hold  their 
estates  immediately  of  him.  Whereupon  they  have  endeavoiu*- 
ed  to  give  him  what  trouble  they  can,  by  diswading  the  Peo- 
ple from  agreeing  altlio  I  must  confess  some  of  the  Coun- 
cel  likewise  have  to  my  knowledge  several  times  affirmed', 
they  did  not  desire  to  hinder  any  persons  from  comi^lying  & 
taking  conveiauces  from  M''  Mason  Yet  they  wil  not  endure 
he  should  be  owned  as  Proprietor,  tho  I  take  it  to  be  clear 
His  Ma*>  doth  ;  and  at  y''  General  Assembly  on  y'"  3'^  of  March 
last,  when  M""  Mason  was  p'sent,  <t  all  his  Grants  (as  wel  as 
His  Ma*'^  Commiss"  ct  Lett'^'  )  read  in  p'sence  of  the  Deputies  & 
discoursed,  to  give  them  all  y''  satisfaccon  imaginable,  the}' 
were  so  far  h-oin  receiving  any,  that  opposing  his,  <fe  (tho 
required  showing  no  Title  of  their  own),  they  encouraged  the 
Deputies  to  y""  same  oppositi(m,  k  to  prepare  A:  i)resent  some- 
thing by  way  of  Remonstrance  from  the  respective  Towns,  of 
which  they  were  y*'  Representatives.  When  the  Councel 
seem'd  to  doubt  of  M''  Mason's  being  the  true  person,  S:  y 
deeds  true  copies,  I  was  concerned  to  testify^,  &  own  my  OAm 
hand  to  y""  examinacon,  yet  they  doulited  stil,  because  they 
would  stil  doubt. 

May  it  please  Yo''  Loi"^iu  due  love  to  truth  &  iustice  I  can- 
not omit,  that  several  scandalous  reports  tt  libels  were  disper- 
sed; that  M''  Mason  had  a  Design  !o  enslave  the  People,  cV'  to 
make  them  pay  2**  for  every  chimney,  <t  lO*'  a  year  for  e\ery 
room  they  kept  fire  iu  ;  they  should  neither  fish  nor  fowl ;  & 
many  things  besides,  for  .y'"  future,  not  to  be  kno^\m  or  fore- 
seen, to  }■''  preiudice  <t;  ruine  of  the  People,  Things  which  I 
must  beg  leav  to  sa}',  I  know  to  be  utterly  untrue,  S:  by  con- 
versing with  him,  know  he  designs  as  much  y''  contrary,  y'^ 
general  good  A-  indulgence  of  y*"  people,  as  in  him  can  possibly 
lye.  And  I  must  affirm  that  he  has  used  that  fair  Deport- 
ment, that  his  enemies  as  wel  as  y*^  rest  of  the  People  wil  say, 
he  deserves  highly  to  be  respected,  S^  no  person  that  came  to 
treat  witli  him  ever  went  away  dissatisfied.  And  had  y 
Councel  l)in  such  as  His  Ma*''  might  reasonably  expect,  there 
had  not  bin  any  difference  between  him  A-   the  inhabitants, 


who  (as  I  have  l)iii  int'orjned)  do  say,  that  if  the  (Vnnu'(4  wil 
order  them  to  agree  witli  liim  they  are  ready  to  do  it.  Tlie 
litleness  of  y*^  obieetions  y"  dissenters  make  to  so  clear  a  Title. 
ct  Grants  so  fully  proyed  (as  yo'  Lo^.^'yery  Avel  kuo\y)  A'  y"  in- 
constancy of  their  argiinientacon  in  flying  to  (t  shifting  the 
several  pretended  Titles  (but  sho\ying  none)  as  for  y''  purpose, 
sometimes  claiming  from  y'"  Indians  ;  then  by  a  p'tended  con- 
quest (which  was  their  defending  theniselyes)  against  y*' 
Indians,  ct  y*^  like  giyes  me  occasion  to  think  it  nothing  but 
interest,  that  makes  them  stand  out,  and  because  they  haye 
giyen  to  one  another  gi-eat  Tracts  of  land  of  M'"  Mason's  and 
haye  sold  land  to  many  persons  without  legal  title,  and  do  ap- 
prehend y  purchasers,  u])on  eyiction  or  new  agreement,  wil 
come  upon  them  for  y'  purchase  money.  At  present  they 
haye  made  a  Law  to  confirn  all  ToAvn  gi'ants,  upon  which  I 
tlid  (as  my  Duty  obliges  me)  giye  my  Opinion  for  y''  repealing 
thereof  (at  y*"  time  of  amendment  of  seyeral  particular  matters 
in  their  new  Laws  at  y''  Gen  Assembly  as  being  repugnant  to 
their  Comiss"  by  yertue  whereof  they  make  Laws,  which  ex- 
cludes all  but  M'"  Masons  Eight  :  but  tho  the}-  haye  thought 
fit  to  repeal  some;  as  (for  instance)  that  no  Law  etc  shal  be 
imposed  but  such  aslial  bo  made  by  the  Gen  Assemlily  <^  ap- 
proyed  hy  y'^  Couucel ;  and  another  for  punishing  with  Death 
Rebellious  children,  y*  wil  not  obey  y "  yoice  of  their  father,  or 
y*^  voice  of  y"'  mother)  Yet  this  confirmacon-Law  stands,  & 
is  sent  to  receiy  its  St^ntence  more  honorably. 

The  President  named  by  His  Ma*>'  dyed  y^  latter  end  of 
March  A:  was  an  honest  loyal  Gentleman  A  'stood  for  y*"  Pro- 
prietors right,  own'd  him  .&  [purposed  to  take  his  Grants 
from  him.  He  that  now  succeeds,  is  Richard  Waldron  Esq'' 
concerning  whom  yo''  Lo^'^  wil  receiy  a  more  perfect  character 
from  M^'  Mason  who  has  taken-  several  Depositions  relating 
to  him.  There  was  a  debate  for  y''  supplying  y''  member  of  y'' 
Oouncel  since  y'' death  of  one  (viz:  y*"  late  President)  but 
there  is  no  entry  ordered  of  w*  ]iei"sons  n;inies  shal  be 
sent. 

T  must  inf(n-m  Yo"'  Loi"*  that  M""  Mason  lias  forborn  to  sit, 
or  act  in  public  matters  of  y''  ('onncel,  he  being  unsatisfied  in 
y*^  legality  of  their  proceedings ;  y''  reasons  himst^lf  wil  oti'er  to 


RELATTN(i    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIHE.  99 

yo''  Loi?"  The   People  do  compluiu  of  great  Taxes,  A-   that  it 
dotli  not  appear  how  expended.     I  am. 

May  it  please  Yo*"  Lo^!^ 

Yo""  LoV**  most  humble  &  most 

obedient  Servant 
Richard  Chamberlain. 
New-Hampshire  May  16'^  IHSI. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Page  454. 

(I(i81.     M<'!i  81.) 

m     in      From   the    (Vnnieill   of    N:    Hamp'""    To  the  Kings 
most  Excellent  Majesty 

May  it  please  yo'"  Maj*' 

Wee  have  received  by  the  hands  of  M''  Mason  yo''  Pvoyall 
letters  &  comands  wherein  we  are  required  fi'om  time  to  time 
to  render  an  account  of  all  occurrences  &  transacons  among 
us  w*^^  we  are  now  applying  our  Selves  w*''  all  humility  & 
fidelity  to  doe. 

Upon  the  arivall  of  M''  Mason  w^**  a  Speciall  order  for  ad- 
miting  himselfe  into  the  capacity  of  a  Member  &  M'-  Cham- 
berhiin  of  a  Secretary  to  the  Couucell  we  Imediatly  yielded 
our  obedience  thereunto  Since  w'''  time  our  President  John 
Cutt  Esq':  is  deceased  &  Eichard  Waldeni  Esq":  late  Deputy 
Presid'  is  now  Presid*  &  Elias  Stileman  Esq':  is  by  him  chosen 
Deputy  according  to  direction  in  om'  Comission  :  Wee  have 
also  framed  several!  lawes  A  constitutions  (A  coi)i)ie  whereof 
we  liorew"'  all  send)  w*''  out  any  repugnancy  to,  A'  in  as  great 
an  Identity  to  A  consonancy  w*''  yo'"  Maj'^**  lawes  as  our  Abil- 
lities  would  reach,  (fc  as  we  thought  most  Sutal)]e  to  our  Cir- 
cumstances, in  obedience  to  W"  yo""  Maj*'"  Subjects  have 
heither  to  peaceably  A  to  their  good  Satisfaction  demeaned 
themselves,  not  dcmbting  but  if  yo'"  Maj*'"  w*^  the  advice  of  y»" 
most  Hon'''*"  Privv  Couucell  see  meet  to  conferme  them  they 


100  EAIILY   DOCrMENTS 

will  through  gods  l)U'ssuig  Jittaino  the  ends  pvoposcHl  in  yo'' 
Maj'^"  Comission  of  ki^epiug  the  people  in  a  riglit  uiiderstancl- 
iug  of  A-  Suhniission  to  vo'"  Maj'-'*'  Eovall  Autlioiity,  the  su])- 
jn'essiiig  of  viee  tV  encouraging  of  vertuc. 

The  gi'eat  matter  of  (litficultv  now  among  us  is  referring  to 
M'"-  Masons  pretensions  to  tlie  ]>ro})rietv  of  the  lands  we  pos- 
sesse,  some  countenance  to  his  clay  me  whereunto  he  hath 
gotten  in  yo*"  Maj'^*"  Comission  under  the  broad  Seal,  which 
We  cannot  but  thinke  lias  been  by  inderect  meanes  tt  untnie 
informations  (in  w'*'  he  abounds)  obtained.  Wee  are  informed 
y*  he  has  no  Authentique  Originall  or  Duplycate  of  any  grant 
for  the  aoyle,  nor  hath  he  in  any  measure  attended  the  scope 
of  such  Grant  (if  any  such  had  been  made  to  him)  viz.  the 
peopling  of  the  place  <t  enlarging  yo''  Maj*'^  Dominions,  both 
w'^*^  have  been  ^dgorously  attended  by  the  present  Inhal)itants. 
The  vast  expence  of  estate  is  mostly  if  not  mereh'  A  pretence. 
An  house  was  hired  in  this  province  but  the  disbursements 
laid  out  were  chiefly  in  the  Neighbouring  Province  of  Meyn 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Eiver,  and  for  carrying  on  an  Indian 
Trade  in  Laconia,  in  all  av'"'  his  Grandfather  was  but  a  part- 
ner, however  lie  would  appeare  amongst  us  as  sole  proprietor. 
That  we  have  no  other  right  but  w*  is  derived  from  the  Mas- 
sachusets  by  vertue  of  their  Imaginary  line  he  asserts,  but  it 
is  another  of  his  groundless  Imaginations,  for  we  were  possest 
of  the  soyle  hmg  before  the  Massachusets  medled  av"^  us,  In- 
deed we  at  length  desired  them  to  Govern  us,  Avhen  Ex})erience 
had  taught  us  y*  by  our  Combinations  Avliereiuto  we  entred 
(the  Originals  of  w'*'  Signed  by  the  Inliabitants  are  yet  Ex- 
tant) to  preA-ent  the  confusion  of  Anarchy  Ave  could  not  govern 
ourselves.  And  being  under  their  Governi'  Ave  used  such 
methods  for  the  alloting  of  lands  tf)  perticuler  persons  as  they 
did,  but  never  thought  of  deriving  from  them  any  Propriety  to 
those  lands  av'"^  under  yo*'  Maj*-^  A'  Royall  Predecessors  Ave  ac- 
ct)unted  our  own  before  ;  Besides  y*  our  Articleing  av"'  them 
they  tooke  us  under  their  Goverm*  Avill  abundantly  evidence 
upon  what  terms  Ave  stood  in  point  of  our  lands. 

Instead  of  a  flinall  Expulsion  by  the  Massachusets  aV'*^  he 
alleadges,  we  can  plentifull}'  prove  y*  the  undertaking  Avas 
Slighted  A'  place  Avholly  deserted  both  by  Cap*  John  Mason 


liELATING   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  101 

&  any  Agents  for  him  many  yeaves  before  eyer  the  Masachu- 
sets  were  concerned  therein  or  liatl  extended  their  line  so  farr  : 
Nor  hath  the  carriage  of  M''  Mason  since  he  came  among  us 
been  at  all  dissonant  fi'om  the  false  infcn'matious  giyen  against 
us,  but  such  as  wee  are  abundantly  sattislied  yo'"  Maj*'**  wis- 
dome  will  Judge  yery  unbecoming  his  place  A-  pretensions  viz 
his  amusing  the  ]X)or  peo])le  by  threatenings,  Insinuating  into 
them  by  fuir  promises  <fe  ungrounded  Intimations,  much  re- 
flecting on  the  Oouncill,  Imperiously  requiring  A'  comauding 
them  as  Proprietor  (for  so  he  stiles  himselfe)  to  attend  his 
pleasure,  speaking  &  carrying  slightly  A:  contempteoush-  of  A' 
to  them,  the  ready  way  to  teach  the  people  A  low  esteem  of 
yo*"  Maj'J'*  Authority  by  A'  according  to  w*"''  the  Councill  acts. 
His  getting  Seyerall  names  (tt  more  names  then  hands  for 
Sundry  whose  names  are  in  his  l)ook  doe  utterly  disclaym  any 
assent  of  theirs  thereimto)  Some  of  w"^^  are  under  age,  others 
are  seryants  A'  Apprentices,  by  w''^  he  thinks  to  make  A  gi-eat 
Shew  else  where  as  he  hath  made  A  great  confusion  here, 
whereas  in  reaUty  al  the  names  he  hath  obtained  (except  some 
few  y*  haye  been  frighted  or  deluded  into  they  know  not  w^ 
diyers  of  w''^  also  upon  better  consideration  haye  recanted) 
are  such  as  if  the  quallity  of  the  persons  were  known  to  yo'' 
Majt>'  A'  Hon'''*"  Priyie  Councell,  they  would  be  yery  little 
credit  either  to  his  cause  or  to  him  y*  hath  by  such  indirect 
means  procured  them,  unto  whom  he  hdtli  likewise  granted 
and  laid  out  sundry  improyed  lands  A'  pastures  where  our 
timl)er  A  firewood  growes  w*''out  vt*^^  there  is  no  possibility 
for  our  subsistance,  utterly  refusing  to  admit  of  any  Applyca- 
tion  to  the  Councell  whome  yo""  Maj'^  hath  Comissiouated 
to  interpose.  Other  jiersons  also  y*  are  Strangers  to  us  hath 
he  allured  to  give  in  their  names,  promising  to  dispose  of  our 
lands  to  them,  to  the  great  prejudice  of  them  y*  are  A'  long 
have  been  setled  on  the  place.  And  further  tels  us  and  the 
})c()|)le  y'  it"  we  com])ly  not  w'''  him  he  will  Imediatly  returne 
for  England  A  reassume  his  Goverm'  of  the  })lace  long  Agone 
granted  (as  he  saith)  to  his  ^Vnceslors  (though  of  late  modestly 
by  himselfe  deliyered  up  to  yo''  Maj'-^ )  A'  then  chuse  his  own 
Councill  &  proceed  as  he  thinks  meet,  (however  we  cannot 
forget  y'  yo""  Maj*^'  tels  us   in  our  Comission  that  there  was 


102  EAKLY    DOCUMENTS 

never  any  CTOverm'  granted  over  this  place  till  now;  and  he 
so  carries  it  as  if  he  had  yo'"  Maj'^  &  Councill  wholly  at  his 
Devotion  S:  could  doe  w"^  them  w'  he  pleaseth. 

Hereupon  the  Inhabitants  of  the  four  towns  feeling  A:  for- 
seeing  the  evil  come  &  conieing  upon  them  thought  it  their 
duty  not  to  he  wanting  to  themselves  in  y*"  use  of  all  lawfnll 
meanes  Esj)ecially  such  as  yo'"  lioyall  Comission  hath  direct- 
ed them  to,  and  hence  have  pettioned  the  Councell  to  inter- 
pose between  M''  Mastm  cVr  them,  &  huujbly  to  address  to  yo'' 
Maj'-'' for  releif.  In  their  petitions  they  Sadly  Comi:)laine  of 
the  disturbance  they  meet  with  from  M'"  Mason,  the  danger- 
ous consequences  whereof  they  dread  (insomuch  y*  we  account- 
ed our  selves  obliged  to  omit  A  declaration  for  the  present 
keeping  of  the  peace  among  the  people  lest  further  mischiefe 
should  follow.  A  coppie  of  w"^^^  we  have  sent  w"'  other  our 
acts  ct  order,  the  vast  expence  of  time  and  great  trouble  they 
have  been  put  to  the  impossibility  of  living  if  M'"  Mason  ob- 
tain but  y*  they  must  be  constrained  after  they  have  worn  out 
themselves  w*''  hard  labour  to  get  a  poor  living  and  spent 
their  estates  upon  A  wildernes  (and  a  \\ildernes  it  had  been  to 
this  day  for  any  thing  M'"  Mason  would  have  done  towards  its 
manuring  for  non  would  ever  have  sate  down  on  it  but  in 
hopes  of  being  fi-eeholders )  to  remove  where  they  may  tind  A 
place  (if  at  last  they  may  find  a  place)  where  under  yo'"  Maj'^ 
protecon  they  may  live,  having  no  hopes  of  being  able  so 
much  as  to  live  under  such  Impositions  as  are  inevitably 
under  such  a  Proprietor.  And  these  Subscribrs  are  the 
Generallity  of  the  whole  Province  y*  are  house  holders,  tt  men 
of  any  principles,  port,  or  estate  ;  besides  that  divers  among 
them  of  wh(mi  M'"  Mason  (having  w'^out  their  consent  (as 
they  say)  set  down  their  names)  boasts  as  his  clyents,  have 
yf)luntarily  subscribed  the  petition  to  y*"  Councell  therin  profes- 
ing  y*  they  se  no  way  to  prevent  the  utter  ruin  of  themselves 
and  prosperity  if  they  comply  w"'  Mason  And  such  is  the  af- 
fecting cry  of  yo""  Maj**poor  distressed  Subjects  (m  this  ac- 
count as  is  enough  to  make  both  the  eares  of  him  that  have  it 
to  tingle  A-  they  further  tell  us  that  all  their  hopes  under  god 
is  in  the  goodnes,  mercy  \-  e(piity  of  30''  Maj'^  whom  they 
therefore  desire  us  humbly  to  supplycate  that  they  may  have 


ilELATING   TO   NEW   HAMSPHIRE.  103 

liberty  to  speak  for  themselves  not  doubting  but  that  they 
shall  be  found  both  Loyall  Subjects,  A:  under  yo''  Maj*^'  &  by 
the  authority  of  yo'"  Royall  predecessors  true  &  lawfull  Pro- 
priet''^  of  what  they  Possesse  And  seing  that  (as  tliey  tV  wee 
understand)  yo"^  Maj*^did  not  absolutely  coniand  them  to  own 
M*"  Mason  as  Proprietor  but  directed  unto  this  way  for  releif 
that  we  shall  not  be  accounted  offenders  for  our  slownes  to 
become  Tenants  to  any  Subject  A  thing  w"^^*"  bears  So  il  among 
us  in  A  vast  wildernes  wheither  our  ifathers  transported  them- 
selves <k  us  in  hopes  of  better  thmgs  and  where  was  room 
enough   for  Accommodation  otherwise  And  whereas  we  are 

.  .  .  med  by  yo'  Maj*-^'  to  interpose  between  M'^  Mason 
ct  the  people  tV  state  the  case  w**^"  our  Opinion  thereupon,  Ave 
are  humbly  (jf  Opinion  that  M""  Mason  hath  rendered  that 
Com  and  Impracticable  ;  foi-  till  A  case  be  Agitated  &  debat- 
ed by  the  persons  concerned,  it  cannot  be  stated,  nor  opinion 
given  of  it,  w*^^  M*"  Mason  utteiiy  declines  though  we  have 
often  offered  it,  &:  y*  in  obedience  to  our  Comission,  but  could 
from  time  get  no  other  answer  from  him  save  this,  that  he 
had  nothing  to  doe  to  be  concerned  w*''  Councill  Town,  or 
Society  of  men,  but  w"'  each  man  in  particular. 

Wee  are  Jealous  lest  by  our  prolixity  we  may  seem  tedious, 
&  are  sensible  how  unable  wee  are  to  word  things  so  as  nuiy 
be  worthv  of  Yo''  Koyall  A-iew,  and  therefore  liuml)ly  crave 
pardon  for  any  rudenes  or  luimeetnes  of  Expression,  wherein 
we  have  not  wittingly  failed,  nor  are  we  Ignorant  that  com- 
plaints cV:  accusations  have  been  S:  may  be  earned  to  yo'" 
Maj*>'  against  us,  W''  hath  been  the  lot  of  some  of  the  best  of 
men,  as  we  find  in  holy  writt,  but  it  (juiets  us  y'  we  know  our 
desire  is  to  keep  A  conscience  void  of  office  towards  God  and 
man,  and  that  we  have  to  doe  w*'' A  just  &  Gracious  Prince  yt 
will  condemn  no  man  before  he  heares  him,  And  by  that  time 
we  have  had  the  Liberty  of  A  fair  plea,  fear  not  to  vindicate 
our  names  &  reputations  fi-<nii  those  unjust  aspersions  of  dis- 
loyalty to  yo''  Maj*'*  or  unrighteousness  to  others  that  may  be 
cast  upon  us,  And  doe  prof  esse  it  to  bee  our  Duty  (and  it  is 
our  practise)  to  give  God  &  Cesar  his  due,  to  obay  youi'  Maj'^^ 
and  to  i^ray  for  all  that  are  iii  Authority  over  us,  and  princi- 
plv  for  yo''  Maj*',  for  the  lenghthening  out  of  yo''  life  &  pros- 


104  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

perity  tt  that  v>e  may  under  the  Sliadow  of  yo'"  Royall  Pro- 
tection Hve  quiet  tt  peaoeabh^  lives  in  all  godlines  A'  honesty, 
Subscribeing  ourselves 

Yo""  Royall  Maj'>^  most  Loyall  Subjects 

Richard  Waldern  president 
Elias  Stileman  dep*  p'^sd' 
Richard  Martyn 
W"3  Taughan 
Tho  Daniel 
John  Gillman 
Christopher  Hiissey 
Samuell  Dalton 
Job  Clements. 

Portsm"  in  the  Province  of  New  Hampshire  May  31'^  1681 

(Endorsedj  May  31'^  1681  From  y  Councill  of  New 
Hampshire  to  the  Kmg.  Rec^  y  20  Sept  1681  Read  10 
Nov'  1681 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Pages  42G-7. 

(1681.) 

A  Narrative  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Councill  of  the  Province 
of  New  Hampshire  in  NeAv  England.  Upon  rec'  of  His  Ma** 
Comission 

The  Commission  under  the  Great  Seal  for  establishing  his 
Ma***  authority  in  tlu'  said  province  being  by  M.'"  Randolph 
delivered  unto  John  Cutt  esq^;  appointed  President  of  the 
Councill  ujion  the  27"'  of  Decern*"  1679.  The  President  forth- 
with Summoned  the  Severall  persons  named  in  the  Commission 
to  be  of  the  Councill  to  hear  it  read  which  being  done  he 
required  them  by  virtue  of  the  said  Commission  to  accept 
thereof  and  to  administer  him,  the  oaths  of  Allegiance  and 


RELATING  TO  NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  105 

Supieiiiacy  and  the  oath  of  a  Counsellor  that  soe  they  might 
enter  upon  the  adniinistiation  of  the  affaires  of  the  province 
]3ut  Eichard  Waldern  and  Eichard  Martin  two  of  those  named 
of  the  Councill  said  the}-  would  take  time  to  consider  thereof 
and  perswaded  the  rest  to  doe  the  like. 

The  said  Waldern  and  Joshua  Moody  the  Minister  of  Ports- 
mouth went  to  Boston,  to  consult  some  persons  in  that  Gov- 
ernment, how  they  should  proceed  in  reference  to  his  Maj*' 
Commission  and  after  some  days  being  returned  to  ports- 
mouth  they  Two  togeather  with  Eichard  Martin  did  goe  to 
the  President  and  told  him  they  were  resolved  not  to  owne 
the  Commission  and  did  earnestly  importune  the  President  to 
reject  it.  Waldern  saying  he  would  be  hanged  at  his  door 
before  he  would  act  by  authority  of  that  Commission.  The 
President  told  them  that  he  would  give  obedience  to  his  Maj*" 
Commands  and  advised  them  to  doe  the  like  the  said  Waldern 
Martin  and  Moody  did  by  their  Sollicitations  prevaile  with 
those  other  persons  named  of  the  Councell  not  to  accept  thereof 
Supposing  by  that  means  to  compell  the  President  to  quitt 
the  Commission  believing  he  would  take  upon  him  to  act 
singly  Soe  that  the  Twenty  days  time  limited  by  his  Maj*^'  for 
publishing  the  Eoyall  Commissio  and  their  accepting  of  the 
Government  were  expired 

Hereupon  the  President  havuig  advised  with  severall  of  the 
Principall  and  loyall  persons  of  the  province,  did  by  a  publick 
Declaration  give  notice  io  all  the  inhabitants  that  he  did 
accept  of  his  Maj*^  Commission  and  required  them  to  rejiair 
unto  the  Towne  of  Portsmouth  upon  a  Day  prefixed  to  hear  the 
Commission  read  and  to  consult  with  him  for  carrying  (in 
the  Government  untill  his  Maj*'^  pleasure  Avere  known  and 
commanded  all  persons  in  his  Maj**"  name  to  forbeare  giving 
any  disturbance  to  the  ])eace  of  the  province  as  they  would 
answer  the  contrary  at  their  perill,  the  which  Declaration 
was  received  with  a  generall  joy  and  Satisfaction  of  the 
people. 

Upon  the  proceeding.>^  of  the  president  Waldern  Martin 
and  others  sent  to  the  Severall  Ministers  of  the  Province  to 
advise  with  them  what  was  to  T)e  done.  Who  meeting  at 
Portsmouth  in  the  house  of  Martin  ftbur  days  were  Spent 


106  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

in  coiisiiltatioii,  at  last  it  was  resolved,  That  they  -wonld 
accept  of  the  coiniinssioii  ami  assume  the  Govenimeiit,  least 
the  President  should  putt  others  in  their  ])laces  it  being 
better  for  them  to  govern  who  had  formerly  been  in  Com- 
mission imder  the  Massaclmsets  (Tovernm'  then  for  others 
of  difterent  princ'i])les  to  command  them,  And  these  reasons 
were  sent  unto  Some  of  the  Magistrates  of  Boston  to  Shew 
the  necessity  of  their  owning  his  Maj'''  authority  and  obeying 
his  commands. 

Then  Waldern  Martin  and  the  rest  went  unto  the  President 
and  declared  unto  him  that  they  did  accept  of  the  Commission 
But  withall  told  him  That  since  his  Ma*>  had  allowed  liberty 
of  conscience  to  his  protestant  Suljjects,  and  they  being  un- 
satisfied with  the  manner  of  taking  the  oaths  in  England,  as 
re])eating  the  words  in  the  oaths  of  Allegiance  and  Supremacy 
and  Swearing  upon  tlie  holy  Bible  to  be  needless  ceremonies 
they  thought  it  convenient  to  dispense  therewith,  and  having 
heard  the  aforesaid  oaths  read  unto  them  and  holding  up  their 
hands  declared  them  to  be  well  taken. 

The  day  after  being  the  21tli  January  they  make  choise 
of  Three  more  to  be  of  the  Couucell  Two  whereof  were  in 
Commission  while  tha  Massachusets  usurped  the  Government 
of  the  ])ro-s-ince,  and  Waldern  gott  himself  to  be  elected 
Deputy  President  and  continued  Commander  in  cheif  of  the 
Militia  a  place  he  held  formerly  under  the  Massachusets. 

The  major  ])art  of  tlie  Councill  l)eing  ill  pleased  with  the 
former  proceedings  of  that  loyal!  Gent  John  Cutt  esq'.'  Presi- 
dent Since  deceased  whom  they  found  too  much  addicted  to 
his  Maj*^  Service  take  an  advantage  of  his  illness  and  absence 
to  make  an  order  to  limitt  the  President  to  a  Single  Vote  and 
have  ever  !"ince  acted  without  him. 

Then  the  Councill  issue  (mt  Sumnums  for  chosing  of 
Deputies  for  the  Geneiall  Assembly,  but  withall  publish  an 
Order  That  none  should  })resume  to  give  their  votes  for 
choise  of  Deputies  but  Such  as  they  Should  nominate  upon 
penalty  of  fiive  pounds  and  in  Townes  of  above  Two  hundred 
houses  not  above  Twenty  persons  permitted  to  vote  at  the 
day  of  Election  very  many  did  demand  their  right  and  lil)ertv 
to  vote,  but  were  denied,  and  threatened  to  be  punished  by 


ItELAlTNG  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  107 

Walderii  miuI  others  for  contempt  of  aiitlioiitY  in  disobeying 
their  commands  So  that  the  Deputies  in  effect  are  cliosen  bv 
the  Coimcell. 

The  Conncill  have  dechired  themselves  to  have  a  Legis- 
lative power  and  that  no  Law  shalbe  of  force  but  what  is 
made  by  the  Assembly  and  ratified  by  them. 

They  have  declared  themselves  a  Court  of  Appeals  and 
have  Denyed  Appeals  to  his  Maj*-^  and  have  threatened  to 
punish  Such  as  should  appeall  from  them  to  his  Maj'' contrary 
to  the  Express  words  of  the  Commission 

They  have  made  a  Law  to  confirm  the  Laws  of  the  Massa- 
chusets  Colony  and  the  Title  to  Lands  derived  from  that 
authority. 

They  have  n)ade  a  Law  that  no  Magistrate  (jr  Elder  of  a 
Church  shall  pay  any  Tax  or  Rate  whatsoever,  whereby  the 
Councill  and  Deputies  are  freed  from  impositions  the  Inhab- 
itants are  rated  at  Will  and  doom  some  persons  that  are  not 
worth  100"'  being  rated  farr  more  than  those  who  are  worth 
1000"^ 

They  have  raised  Great  Summs  upon  the  inhabitants  and 
it  doth  not  appeare  Iioav  expended,  the  only  visiljle  expence 
being  in  eating  and  drinking  the  Councill  allways  meeting  in 
an  Ordinary. 

They  tfined  Ca})t"  IjMrefoot  10"' for' accepting  a  Comission 
from  M':  Eandol})!)  to  be  his  Deputy  Surveyour  at  Pascat- 
away  and  committed  him  to  prison  untill  i)aid  Saying  that  all 
l)ers(ms  that  were  em})loyed  in  Such  business  should  be 
punished. 

Upon  complaint  of  great  numbers  of  the  inhal>itants  of  the 
heavy  Taxes  laid  upon  them  It  was  demanded  of  tlie  Councill 
upon  the  11"'  of  March  last  an  accompt  in  writing  what 
moneys  have  been  assessed  levyed  and  collected  Since  the 
establishment  of  the  present  Government  and  lunv  and  for 
what  expended  that  his  Maj*'  might  be  informed  of  the  State 
and  condition  of  the  province,  but  it  Avas  positively  denyed. 

The  Councill  would  have  enforced  on  Oath  of  Secresy  upon 
M^  Chamberlain  his  Maj'''  Secretary  of  the  Province,  and 
Clerk  of  the  Ct)uncill  that  he  should  not  give  an  account  to 
his  Maj''-  of  their  proceedings  nor  write  any  matters  to  Eng- 


108  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

land  but  such  us  tliej  should  order,  and  for  refusing  hereof 
he  was  threatened  to  be  turned  out  off  the  Councill,  and 
hitherto  have  settled  no  Salary  upon  him  and  have  a])pointed 
Two  of  themselves  to  be  Recorders  &  Secretares  of  tbe 
pro^dnce,  who  share  the  profits  and  tiees  between  them 
thereby  defrauding  him  from  the  Rights  of  the  place. 

Upon  the  wliole  matter  it  may  cheifly  be  observed. 

1.  Most  of  the  Councill  did  to  their  uttmost  o])i)ose  his 
Maj***  Royall  Commission  for  setling  the  province 

2.  The  Councill  have  not  taken  the  oaths  of  Allegiance  A- 
Supremacy  as  ihe  Commission  and  Law  requires. 

3.  They  have  appointed  the  Deputies  for  the  Assembly  and 
would  not  Suffer  the  inhabitants  to  give  their  votes. 

4.  They  have  declared  themselves  a  Cburt  of  Appeals  and 
have  Deuyed  Appeals  to  his  Maj*'  contrary  to  the  Com- 
mission. 

5.  They  have  made  Severall  Laws  absolutly  repugnant  to 
the  Laws  of  England,  and  derogatory  to  his  Maj'**  Royall 
authority. 

6.  They  have  not  given  his  Maj*^  an  account  of  their 
proceedings  nor  transmitted  their  Laws  although  positively 
required  to  be  done  every  Three  months  at  least  and  have 
particularly  ordered  That  the  Laws  for  taxing  the  people,  and 
fi'eing  themselves  and  their  party  shall  not  be  Sent  to  his 
Maj*> 

7.  The  Councill  is  overruled  by  Waldern  Martin  and  S(nne 
others  who  doe  deny  his  Maj^^  Sovereignty  in  the  province, 
and  upon  Sundry  occasions  have  uttered  words  of  a  dangerous 
and  pernicious  consequence. 

All  which  wilbe  made  out  upon  Oath  if  yo''  Lordships  shall 
think  fitt  to  require  it. 

(Endorsed)  Narrative  of  The  Proceedings  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

Head  y  6  Sei)t  1(581.     Read  again  10"'  Sept.  1(581. 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  109 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Page  456-7. 
(1681.) 

To  the  Eight  Houo'.'.'-'  the  Lords  of  his  Maj**^  most  Hoiio'^''^ 

privy  Councel  a  Committee  of  Trade  and  Plantations. 
The  humble  petition  of  Robert  Mason  Esq'"  ag"  y®  Councel  of 

New-Hampshire.     Showeth, 

That  his  Maj'^  by  his  Commission  under  the  Great  Seal, 
bearing- date  the  18*'' of  Septm  1679.  did  constitute  a  Presi- 
dent and  Council  for  governing  a  part  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  in  New  England  and  of  his  Royall  Goodness  was 
most  graciously  pleased  to  take  care  of  the  concerns  and  in- 
terest of  the  pet''  and  to  declare  the  ancient  and  legall  right 
and  title  of  the  pet'**  Ancesters  to  the  said  province  by  virtue 
of  a  Grant  derived  fi-om  his  Maj*''  Pioyall  Grandfather  King 
James  in  the  Eighteenth  year  of  his  reign  out  oft"  the  posses- 
sion wherof  he  had  been  long  kept  by  the  Govern*,  and  Com- 
pany of  the  Massachusets  Bay.  And  his  Maj*^  was  further 
pleased  to  declare  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said  province. 
That  to  prevent  any  unreasonable  demands  which  might  be 
made  by  the  pet'"  His  Ma*^'.  had  obliged  him  under  his  hand 
and  Seal,  to  remit  all  Arrears  of  rent  unto  the  24*^  of  June 
1679.  Nor  molest  any  in  their  possession  for  the  time  to 
come,  and  make  out  titles  to  them  and  their  Heyres  for  ever. 
Provided  they  will  pay  unto  the  pet'"  and  his  hej^res  upon  a 
fair  agi-eeinent  in  Leiw  of  all  Rents  Sixpence  in  the  pound,  ac- 
cording to  the  just  and  true  yearly  value  of  all  houses  built 
by  them  and  of  all  lauds  which  have  been  improved  by  them 
and  that  the  residue  doe  remain  luito  the  pet'"  to  be  disposed 
off  for  his  best  advantage.  And  for  the  more  Easy  and  quiet 
Settlement  of  his  Estate,  His  Maj'^  did  impower,  and  require 
the  President  and  Councell  to  interpose  and  reconcile  all  dif- 
ferences if  they  can,  that  shall  or  may  arise  betw'een  the  pet'' 
and  the  severall  inhabitants  and  if  they  connot  to  Send  such 
cases  fairly  and  impartially  stated  to  his  Maj*-^  that  hj  the 
advice  of  his  juivy  Councel  His  Maj'-^  ^^^'^T  determine  therein 
according  to  Ec[uity 

But  so  it  is  nniy  it  please  yo'"  Lordships,   That  upon  the 


iiO  EAiJLY   I  ()  r:.i!:;r; 

arrival  of  the  pi'f  in  thv  said  prDviiier  in  decenil)  last  after 
Twenty  years  Solliciting  his  Maj'-^  for  rehnf  in  conhdeuce  of 
quietly  enjoying"  his  inheritance  and  reaping  some  benefit 
from  the  great  Expenees  of  his  Ancestors,  He  was  greatly  op- 
posed by  the  Councell  most  of  whom  having  been  in  authority 
under  the  Massachusetts  Avhilest  they  usurped  a  Jurisdiction 
in  the  province  and  had  given  Each  other  large  tracts  of  the 
pet'"  lands,  and  sold  great  quantities  to  the  Iidiabitants  at 
dear  rates  who  instead  of  paying  obedience  to  his  Maj'^  Com- 
mands and  doing  right  to  the  pet*",  make  use  of  his  Maj*'' 
Commission  only  for  private  Ends  against  his  Royal  autlior- 
it}'  and  at  their  first  setting  make  a  Law  to  Secure  their  De- 
tension  Usurpation  and  disposal  of  the  pet'f  lands  in  these 
words  To  prevent  contention  and  controversy  that  may  arise 
among  us,  by  reason  of  the  late  change  of  Government  It  is 
ordered  by  this  Assembly,  and  by  the  authority  therof,  That 
all  lands,  Townships,  Town  grants  with  all  other  grants  lying 
within  the  limits  of  this  Province  and  all  other  rights  and 
properties  shall  stand  good,  and  are  hereby  confirmed  to  the 
Towns  and  persons  concerned,  in  the  same  State  and  condi- 
thni  as  they  did  before  the  late  alteration  By  which  LaAV  the 
pet'"  just  right  and  title  is  wholly  excluded  And  Severall  of  the 
Councel  had  the  confidence  to  Say  That  neither  His  Maj*-^  or 
the  pet''  hnd  any  thing  to  doe  in  the  province  or  right  to  iiny 
Land  therein  and  urged  there  own  lat«  made  Law  in  barr. 

Nevertheless  pet'"  did  by  Severall  Declarations,  give  the  In- 
habitants to  understand  his  legal  right  A*  title  derived  from 
the  Crown,  the  invalidity  and  illegahty  of  their  late  Law  ;ind 
Town  grants  and  that  pursuant  to  His  Maj*''  commands  he 
was  ready  and  willing  to  confirm  the  Lands  they  had  improv- 
ed with  addition  of  more  lands  upon  very  reasonable  terms, 
the  which  otter,  the  pet'"  also  made  unto  every  one  of  the 
C'ouncill  Severally,  by  his  Letters  of  4*''  tfel)ruary  last  he  be- 
ing resolved  nothing  should  l>e  wanting  on  his  part  towards  a 
fair  and  Equitable  agreement  Hereupon  the  then  president 
John  Cutt  esq'"  desired  a  Grant  for  his  lands  and  advised 
others  to  the  same  and  expressed  his  dislike  of  the  Councils 
proceedings  so  that  in  a  short  time  al)ove  half  the  inhabitants 
of  the  province,  and  of  the  better  sort  came  to  the  pet'"  to 


KELATJNd    TO   NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  Ill 

have  tlie  L'iihIk  coufirmed  and  eutred  their  names  and  Lauds 
for  the  passinfr  of  Deeds  whicli  as  Soon  as  the}-  couhl  l)e  writt 
were  Sealed. 

That  Eichard  Wakhaii,  Eichard  Martin,  with  others  of  the 
Councill  and  Joshua  Moody  a  preacher  did  pubUckl}-  excite 
the  people  not  to  come  to  any  agreement,  or  to  owne  the  pef* 
title  Severall  consults  are  held  with  some  of  the  factious 
Magistrates  of  Boston,  how  to  oppose  the  ])et''  Seditious 
Sermons  are  preached  and  Scandalous  Libels  are  scattered 
abroad,  to  amuse  and  distract  the  people  by  which  means 
many  were  diverted  from  coming  to  the  pef  and  some  were 
opbraided,  and  others  threatned  fow  owning  his  Title  ;  and  the 
Councill  themselves  did  make  it  their  business  in  the  Severall 
Townes  where  they  live,  to  goe  from  house  to  house  to  dis- 
wade  the  people  fi-om  coming  to  any  agreement  Yet  most  of 
those  who  stood  out,  did  say  that  if  the  Councill  would  order 
them  to  pay  the  Quitt  Eents  they  would  willingly  doe  it. 

That  after  the  death  of  the  said  president  who  was  succeeded 
by  Eichard  Waldern  the  Councill  Summon  the  pet'*'  Stewards 
to  ai)pear  l)efore  them,  take  away  their  Deputations  threaten 
to  punish  them  for  demanding  his  Quitt  Eents  and  forbiding 
their  Servants  to  fell  his  woods  -without  licence  first  obtained 
(which  the  i)et*:  freely  granted  to  all  that  asked  it)  And  doe 
declare  these  actings  of  his  Stewards  to  be  a  breach  of  the 
peace  and  high  offenders  and  doe  require  them  in  his  Maj*** 
name  and  at  tlieir  perill  to  desist. 

The  pet''  to  put  an  issue  to  these  disputes  and  that  a 
Speedy  determination  may  be  given  in  whom  the  right  and 
title  is,  and  that  the  inlial)itants  may  not  be  held  in  Suspence 
or  suffer  prejudice  by  longer  delays  did  Summcm  Eichard 
Waldern  Eichard  Martin  and  others,  to  appeare  by  themselves 
or  Suthcient  Attorneys  within  Three  months  before  his  Maj*" 
in  Councill  as  the  Sovereign  and  Sole  Judge  in  this  case,  to 
Sett  out  their  respective  Titles  to  the  lands  they  possess,  or 
claim  within  the  said  province  and  iinjustly  detain  from  the 
pet'"  ii]  default  wlierof  he  Avould  humbly  implore  his  Maj'-^ 
justice  for  a  finall  judgment  against  them  and  in  the  mean 
time  did  desire  the  Councill  and  every  of  them  to  have  a  care 
not  to  make  use  of  his  Maj*"*  name  for  private  ends  against 


112  EAKLV   1)()(;UMEN'J'S 

liis  Royall  authority  nor  to  give  any  interruptions  to  the  ])et'''' 
in  prosecution  tlierof. 

Hereupon  Richard  AValderu  Ricliard  Martin  with  some 
others  of  the  Councill,  issue  out  a  Warrant  for  ai)])rcliending 
tlie  pef  in  these  words.  To  John  Roberts  Marshall  of  the 
prouince  of  New  Hampshire  You  are  hereby  required  in  his 
Maj*''  name  to  apjn-ehend  the  body  of  Robert  Mason  Esq''  and 
him  forthwith  to  l)ring"  Ijefore  the  president  and  Councill  if 
Sitting,  if  not,  before  the  hono'"'''  Richard  Waldern  esq'*"  Presi- 
dent or  the  hono''.'''  Elias  Stileman  Deputy  President,  or  any 
Two  of  the  Councill  to  be  dis])osed  according  to  their  l^est 
discretion.  So  that  he  may  appear  at  the  Councils  next  Sit- 
ting to  give  answer  for  his  Usurpation  over  his  Maj'*  author- 
ity here  Established  in  Sitting  up  a  Declaration  in  publick 
bearing  date  2  of  May  1681  therein  Summoning  in  his  owne 
name  and  case,  the  liono^'''"  president,  Avith  Severall  of  the 
Councill  and  other  pei'sons  of  quality  to  appear  before  our 
Sovereign  Lord  the  King  within  Three  months,  and  what  else 
he  shalbe  then  charged  with  hereof  fail  not  at  yo""  perill  and 
this  shalbe  yo^'  SufHcient  Warrant  Dated  in  Portsmouth  18*^ 
May  1681  And  Richard  Martin  did  say  to  the  pet''  if  the 
Councill  could  handsomly  meett  with  him  they  would  Stop 
his  Voyage  for  England.  And  they  did  Sollicit  the  Master  of 
the  Shi])  not  to  receive  him  on  board. 

The  pet''  therefore  most  humbly  prays  That  yo""  Lordships 
wilbe  pleased  to  consider  of,  Jind  report  these  and  other  the 
informations  and  proceedings  of  the  said  Councill  unto  his 
Maj*-^  allAvhich  he  is  ready  to  make  out,  and  to  move  his 
Maj'^  that  the  aforesaid  Law,  and  other  their  arbitrary  and 
partial  orders,  ))e  declared  Null  and  void  And  that  his  Ma.j'^> 
Avilbe  pleased  to  declare  according  to  a  Report  prepared  by 
yo''  Lordshi])s  in  July  1()79  that  all  Grants  Titles  and  Aliena- 
tions of  the  said  Lands  made  by  or  by  autlunity  derived  fi'om 
the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  Massachusets  Bay  be  abso- 
lutely void  and  illegal  as  also  to  require  and  comnuxnd  the  in- 
habitants to  acknowledge  and  receive  him  as  their  true  and 
lawfull  proprietor  under  his  Maj*^'  And  that  the  aforesaid  per- 
sons who  have  been  continual  op})osers  of  his  Maj^"  Royall 
authority  as  well  as  the  pet'f  lawfull  rights,  may  be  Summon- 


KELATING   TO    NEW    HAMrSHIRE.  118 

ed  to  appeare  before  bis  Maj'-''"  in  Couiicill  to  sett  fortli  tbeir 
respective  Titles  to  tbe  Lands  tbey  claim  and  detain  fi-om  tbe 
pef  And  to  command  all  persons  who  s-ball  refuse  or  delay  to 
agree  with  tbe  ])et''  upon  tbe  terms  and  conditions  approved 
and  appointed  by  His  Maj*>  l)e  inhibited  fi'om  cutting  or  fel- 
ling any  wood  Unless  for  their  necessary  tiring  untill  his 
Maj*-^  Shall  have  given  bis  own  Royall  Determination  in  their 
particular  cases  And  that  bis  Maj*-^  Avilbe  pleased  to  take 
some  effectual  means  for  the  reinforcing  bis  Royall  Authority 
there,  that  the  pet'"  may  not  be  any  longer  kept  out  of  his 
inheritance  by  the  contrivance  and  practices  of  evill  minded 
men.     And  yo^  pet^  shall  pray. 

(Endorsed)    Peticon    of    M''  Mason    ag*  Councill    of    New 
bamps. 

Read  10  Nov'  1G81. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

I  Seal  I      (Duplicate  of  what  was  formerly  sent)    At  a  Councel 
bekl  at  Portsmouth  October  y«  4*''  1682. 

A  new  Commission  from  his  Ma*-^  produced  by  Edward 
C'raufield  Esq'-  Constituting  him  His  Ma'**  Lieutenant  Gover- 
nour  tt  Commander  in  chief  of  this  His  Province  of  New 
Hampshire,  was  read,  c^  according  to  the  direction  in  the 
said  Commission,  the  said  Edw*^  Cranfield  Esq*'  was  by  y*" 
Persons  nominated  tt  appointed  therein  to  be  of  y''  Councel, 
sworn  upon  tbe  Holy  Evangelists,  and  He  took  \^  Oaths  of 
Allegiance  &  Supremacy.  And  Robert  Mason,  Ricliard  Wal- 
dron  Thomas  Daniel.  William  Vaughan,  Richard  Martin, 
John  (Tilman,  Elias  Stileman,  Walter  Barefoot  <t  Richard 
Chamberlain  Esq'"^,  were  all  in  like  manner  sworn  And  y''  old 
Comiss"  Avas  declared  to  be  void  in  S:  by  vertue  of  y''  said  ncnv 
Comis". 

Tbe  old  Seal  of  y"  ProviiK-c  having  this  Inscription  Sigilhiui 


114  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

Pnpsiilentis  ut  C'ousilis  dv  Proviiieia  Nova'  Hiiiii))t()iiia>  iu  Nova 
Anglia,  was  by  y^  Governour  deniandecl  ( as  directed  by  the 
said  Commiss"  )  tt  delivered  up  to  him  by  the  late  President 
Richard  Waldron  Esq^  ,  And  a  new  one  of  Silver  brought  by 
the  Govern^"  having  these  words  around  it  Sigilluni  Provincife, 
Nostme  Nova?  Haniptonifip  in  Nova  Anglia,  was  shown.  A'  is  to 
be  kept  A'  in  custody  of  the  Governour. 

Agreed  A  Ordered  by  the  Govern''  by  &  with  y'"  advice  tV 
consent  of  y"  Oouncel,  That  y*"  following  Proclamacou  or  Pub- 
lication of  y''  Hon''^'"  Edw'^  Cranlield  His  being  Constituted 
Govern^'  (as  abovesaid)  be  made  in  y''  fibur  Towns  in  these 
words. 

liy  the  Govern'' 

Whereas  His  Most  Excel!  Our  Soveraign  Lord  King 
Charles  y''  8ec'^  Hath  thought  lit  to  make  void  His  Eoyal 
Comiss"  of  y''  18'^  Sept.  1()71)  A'  all  y'  clauses  matters  and 
things  therein  contained ;  And  hath  by  a  New  Comission  or 
Patent  under  y''  Great  Seal  of  Engk^  bearing  date  May  y'  9*^' 
1682,  Constituted  A:  appointed  Me  Edward  Cranlield  Esq''-  His 
Lieuten*  Govern'"  &  Comander  in  chief  of  this  His  Province  of 
New  Ham])shire  ;  I  do  therefore  according  to  his  Ma*''-  Com- 
mand publish  y""  same.  xAnd  all  the  Inhabitants  of  y'"  said 
Province  are  hereby  required  in  His  Ma*'*  Name  to  take  spe- 
cial notice  thereof,  tt  to  give  obedience  thereto  accordingly. 

And  all  Officers  Civil  S:  Military,  are  to  continue  iu.  A-  dis- 
charge y*^  Duty  of  y*"  res])ective  Offices  A'  Places,  til  they  shal 
reeeiv  further  Order  therein. 

Dated  at  Portsm  this  4"'  day  of  October  1()82,  in  y^'  84'' 
year  of  His  Ma*"  Eaign  (Directed  to  y*^  Constables  of  each  of 
y«  4  Towns.) 

The  Councel  adiorn'd  to  Octob''  10**'  following. 

At  y  Meeting  of  y''  Govern'"  &  Councel  at  Portsm  Octob'' 
lO**"  Ao  Dni  1682. 

The  Govern''  A^  those  of  y'"  Councel  were  sworn  U})on  y*" 
Book  (as  before)  in  the  Oath  for  due  execucon  of  their  Trust 
tt  Admiuistracon  of  Justice  in  their  respective  Places  in  this 
form  following,  taken  from  y'  old  Comis"  none  being  ])arti(ai- 
larly  appointed  by  y^  new 


i:::LATiNrT  to  new  hampshii!E.  115 

You  shall  sweur,  wel  iV  tvnly  to  Administer  Justice  to  all 
His  Ma*'^  good  Subiects  inhabiting  "within  y'"  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  under  this  Government ;  &  also  duly  &  faithfully 
to  discharge  6:  execute  the  Trust  in  you  reposed,  according  to 
y®  best  of  yo*"  knowledg.  You  shal  spare  no  person  for  favour 
or  aft'ection,  nor  any  })erson  greev  for  hatred  or  ill  will.  So 
heh^  you  God. 

And  (y*"  Statute  book  being  as  yet  wanting)  y*"  Govern''  A' 
Councel  subscribed  y^  Test  or  abiuracon  of  Transubstantiacon 
in  y''  Holy  Sacrament  of  y'"  Lords  Supper,  having  said  after  y' 
Clark  of  y''  Councel,  as  y""  form  is,  in  these  words. 

I  Edw'^  Cranlield  (so  I  Rob*-  Mason  A'c)  do  declare,  That  I 
do  beleev  that  there  is  not  any  Transubstantiacon  in  y''  Sacra- 
ment of  y''  Lords  Supper,  or  in  y  elements  of  l)read  A:  wine, 
at  or  after  y""  consecracon  thereof  by  an}^  person  whatsoever. 

Ordered  by  y''  Govern'"  in  Councel,  That  y*"  Seer  &:  CI :  of  y*" 
Councel  have  the  Records  books  <S:  Papers  relating  to  y''  busi- 
ness of  y""  Province,  delivered  to  him  ;  <V  that  he  have  all  due 
Perquisites  pursuant  to  his  Comision  The  Governour  in 
Councel  doth  Order,  That  all  Comissions  from  His  Ma*'  and 
His  Royal  Highness,  be  entred  in  y''  Councel  Book,  A:  in  y'' 
Secretaries  Office  Yiz  : 

His  Ma*.**  Royall  Comnjission  imi)owering  Edward  Cranlield 
Esq*;  His  Lieuten*  Govern""  &  Comander  in  chief  of  His  Ma*^- 
Province  of  Xew  Hampshire,  bearing  date  May  9*^  ]682. 

His  Royal  Highness  y''  Duke  of  YOrk's  Comission,  made  to 
y''  Governour,  for  the  execucon  of  y*"  Office  of  Yice- Admiral 
And  His  t^omiss"**  for  Judg  Register  &  Marshal  of  y""  Admir- 
alty, all  bearing  date  June  29th  1682. 

The  Comis.sion  fi-om  His  Ma*'  to  William  Blathwayt  Esq'^' 
c<uistituting  him  Surveyo''  &  Auditor  General  of  all  His  Ma*' 
Revenues  in  America  bearing  date  May  19*^  1680,  And  y*"  said 
William  Blathwayts  Grant  of  Deputacon  to  Rich''  Chamber- 
lain Esq\'  for  this  Province  of  N  :  Hampshire. 

His  Ma***  Comission  to  Ec^ward  Randolph  Esq''.,  appointing 
him  Collector  Surveyor  S:  Searcher  of  His  Ma*"  Customs  in 
New  Engk^  bearing  date  Octol)':  LV'  1081. 

The  Secret.  S:  Clark  of  y"  Councel  of  N  :  Hauqishire  his 
Comission  fi'om  His  Ma*>'  bearing  date  Sept.  30th  1680. 


116  EAKLY   DOGUMKNTS 

Onlored  likewise  by  y"  Govern'  iu  Couucel,  That  y"'  Letters 
viz  :  That  from  y'^  Eight  Hon^'"  the  Lords  Commission'^  of  y'' 
Treasury,  relating  to  y*'  Kings  Eevennes  in  America  :  And 
that  fi-om  y'^  Eight  Hon''"'^'  y"  Lords  of  y«  Committee  for  Trade 
tt  Plantaeons  to  y*"  Seer  S:  CI  of  y®  Councel  for  Transmission 
of  y*"  Public  Acts  &  affairs,  having  all  bin  read,  with  due  obe- 
dience thereto  inioued,  be  entred  in  y''  Coimcel  Book  A"  in  y^' 
Secretaries  Office 

EiCH"  Waldron  &  EiCH''  Martin  Esq'!''  were  by  y"  Govern'"- 
suspen*  from  y''  Councel  according  to  His  Ma*^  Instructions 
under  y'"  Signet  or  Sign  manual  upon  certain  accusations  Ar 
charges  exhibited  ag*  them. 

Ordered  by  y''  Govern'"  in  Councel,  That  a  Sumons  or  War- 
rant issue  forth  in  His  Ma*.''  Name  A:  agreeable  Avith  His 
Eoyal  Comiss*^  and  l)e  directed  to  y"'  Constables  of  the  four 
Towns  respectivel}',  for  y'"  election  of  Deputies  for  y^  General 
Assembly  viz : 

By  the  Governour 

In  His  Ma"'^'^  Name  You  are  hereby  required,  with  y"'  soonest 
convenience  to  call  together  y*"  ffi-eeholders  of  y''  ToAvn  of 
Portsm  (so  of  y*"  rest)  for  y"  chusiugof  Three  perscms  (so  Two 
for  Excet^ )  of  y'^  same ;  such  as  shal  be  fitly  qualified  to  be 
Deputies  for  y*"  Gen  Assembly.  And  y*^  Three  persons  (so 
Two )  so  elected  by  y''  Maiority  of  Votes  (as  hath  bin  used ) 
Shal  make  their  personal  appearance  at  M'!  George  Snell's 
house  at  Portsm  on  y"  second  Tuesday  iu  November  next 
(being  v*^  14*^^  Day  thereof)  by  nine  a  clock  in  y*"  forenoon,  in 
order  to  making  of  such  Laws  S:  constitutions,  as  are  agi-ee- 
able  to  this  place,  &  not  repugnant  to  those  of  Engl'}  accord- 
ing to  His  Ma'^  present  Comision.  And  you  shal  return  y'' 
n allies  of  the  elected  Deputies  ;  tV:  if  any  of  them  shal  be 
absent  from  y*^  Town  meeting  you  shall  give  him  notice  of 
such  his  election.  Hereof  fail  not.  Dated  at  Portsm  Octob'"- 
4t"  1682. 

And  you  are  also  hereby  required  to  administer  y''  Oath  of 
Allegiance  to  all  His  Ma*^  Subiects  inhabiting  within  y^  Town 
aforesaid  ( Directed  to  y^  Constal)les) 

Ordered,  by  reason  of  some  oj)position  lately  made  to  y" 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  117 

(.Vmstables  in  levying  y*"  Eates,  That   a  Wairant   issue  fortli 
for  y'"  impowering  tlieni  tlievein  as  follows. 

By  the  Goyernonr 

Whereas  His  Ma"  by  His  Eoyal  Comission  bearing  date 
y*-  Ninth  clay  of  May,  in  y«  34**'  year  of  His  Kaign  Hath  bin 
pleased  to  continue  y''  Taxes  or  Rates  by  y"  late  Goyernment 
already  assessed  <t  imposed  upon  y''  Inhabitants  of  this  Pro- 
vince of  New  Hampshire,  til  y*^  General  Assembly  shal  haye 
considered  &  agreed  on  y*'  fittest  ways  for  raising  Taxes  for 
defia} iug  y''  charge  of  y*"  Goyernment :  These  are  therefore 
to  require  you  in  His  Ma*^'  Name,  wel  A'  truly  to  do  yo*"  Duty 
in  reference  thereto  A  forthwith  to  collect  cV:  leyy  all  &  singular 
y''  Taxes  or  Rates  w'  '^  are  already  assess'd  according  to  the 
method  and  power  prescribed  A*  giyen  you  by  y*^  late  Au- 
tority.  Hereof  fail  you  not  at  your  peril.  Dated  at  Portsm 
Oct  W^  1682.     (Directed  to  y  Ccmstables. ) 

Ordered  by  y'^  Goyern''  in  Councel,  That  Capt"  Daniel  A- 
William  Taughan  Esq*:"*  A'  of  y*'  Councel,  take  order  for  a  con- 
yenient  Meeting  place  for  y""  Councel  A'  Deputies  of  the  Gen'' 
assembly  in  some  private  house  in  Portsm  It  being  His  Ma*'' 
Pleasure  &  Comand  not  to  have  any  in  Taverns  A:  such  like 
public  places. 

Elias  Stileman  Esq""  dehvered  up  y"  Books  of  records  &  y*" 
pa[)ers  on  file  Which  by  the  Governours  Order  were  received 
1  )y  the  Seer  A'  CI :  of  y''  Councel  according  to  a  former  Order. 

A  catalogue  of  which  is  hereunder  written  viz  : 

One  Book  of  records  bearing  date  1640 

One  other  Book  of  records  dated  1G58 

One  other  Book  containing  Bils  of  sale  A;  mortgages.  Dated 
1667. 

One  other  Book  of  records  dated  1674 

Two  Books  of  records  of  y*^  Court  of  Associates,  bearing 
date  1663,  A-  1675. 

Edw'^  Randolph  A:  Mark  Hunkins  Case  1679 

Records  of  Dover  Court  1673 

Records  of  Hampton  quart^"  Court  1681. 

Records  of  Ham[)ton  qu  :  Court  1680 

Records  of  Dover  qu  :  CJourt  1681, 


118  EAltl.Y    DOCUMENTti 

Records  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  KJlU 
Records  of  Dover  Court  1075 
Records  of  Portsm  Court  1080 
Records  of  Portsm  Court  168'2. 
Records  of  Portsm  Court  1()7(> 
Old  Records  before  Capt"  Stilemans  time 
Records  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  1666 
Recorels  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  1(578 
Records  of  Portsm  Co*  of  adiorm'  1667 
Records  of  Dov""  qu :  Court  1(563 
Records  of  Dov*'  qu  :  Court  1659 
Records  of  Dov*'  qu  :  Court  1661. 
Records  of  Dov*'  Co*  of  adioriim*  1671 
Rec"**  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  167'2 
Records  of  Dover  qu  :  Court  1680 
Records  of  y"  Couutv  Court  1(579 
Records  of  Portsm  qu :  Court  1670 
Records  of  Dov^'  Co'  of  adiornmen*  1677 
Records  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  1668 
Records  of  Ptu'tsm  qu  :  Court  1662 
Records  of  Dover  qu  :  Court  1667 
Records  of  Portsm  qu  :  C/Ourt  1666 
Records  of  Dover  qu  :  Court  1665 
Records  of  Portsm  qu  :  Court  1674 
Records  of  D<n'er  qu :  Court  1669. 

The  above  written  Records  (excepting  a  few)  are  all  ye 
Records  books  &  papers  that  concern  y''  Public,  in  his  hands ; 
as  attests  Capt"  Stileman  above  said.  And  were  by  the  Gov- 
erno'"''  Order  rec''-  by  me  Rich'*  Chamberlain  Seer  &  CI :  of 
the  Councel 

Ordered  by  y''  Govern'."  Tliat  Rich'*  Clianiberlain  Esq''  have 
ye  registring  or  recording  of  all  Bils  ^  Deeds  of  sale,  mort- 
gages &  Wils  (all  which  are  hereby  Ordered  to  be  so  recorded) 
as  Perquisites  S:  appertaining  to  his  Office  of  Seer  of  y''  Pro- 
vince tt  CI :  of  y''  C(mncel :  As  also,  That  he  be  Clark  of  all 
the  Courts  of  Judicature  held  within  y''  Province  ;  ct  have  y 
entry  of  all  Actions  A])[)e<ds  A-  Judgm*^  &  the  making  of  all 
process  writs  of  attachm*  &  other  writs  Ar  execucons  during 


RELATING  TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  119 

y®  pleasure  of  y*^  Governour,  &  do  all  other  acts  relating  to  y® 
sd  Courts 

Ordered  by  y«  Govern''  in  Councel,  That  Kich'^  Martin  Esq''- 
&  Capf^  Stileman  give  in  their  respective  Acco^^  to  be  audited 
by  Eich'^  Chamberlain  Esq';  ^nz.  y*^  sd  Martin  his  Acco*''  of  all 
monies  raised  since  His  Mats  Koyal  Comiss'^of  ye  18"'  Sept. 
1679  A'  Capt"  Stilemans  Acco'  of  y"  pouder  money  since  y* 
time. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  STATE  PAPERS.    Vol.  48.    Pages  473-9. 

(1682.     October  23.) 

From  M^  Cranfield  to  y*"  Comm*'^'' Upon  his  Arrivall. 

Portsmouth  October  y«  23*^  1682 
May  it  please  yo^  Lordships 

After  six  weeks  and  fine  days  fi'om  Plimo*''  on  y*"  first  of 
October  His  Majest*^  Shipp  the  Lark  Came  to  an  anchor 
In  Salem  Harbour  fifteene  Leagues  to  y*^  Southward  of 
Piscattaqua  the  winde  Takeing  her  Short  whereupon  I 
went  Ouerland  and  got  to  Portsmouth  on  y''  Third  Instant 
at  night  on  y"  forth  in  the  Morning  I  Avrit  y^  ffollowing  Letter 
to  M':  Waldron  the  Sen''  Councell''  and  the  Rest  of  the 
Councill  [sic]  they  being   all   Conueaned   (Ex- 

cepting Jo  Clemments  who  is  dead)  haueing  heard  y'  I 
was  Landed. 

Gentlemen  His  Maj*^  haueing  under  his  broadseall  bareing 
date  the  ninth  of  May  last  past  bin  Graciously  pleased  to 
appoynte  me  his  Leiu*  Gouern''  and  Commander  in  Chiefe 
of  this  his  Majest**  Province  of  New  Hampshire  by  vertue 


120  EAELY  DOCUMENTS 

of  which  I  am  to  Call  togather  at  my  Arriueall  all  those  who 
are  by  his  Maj'^  present  Comission  Constituted  Comicellors 
in  Order  to  Publish  with  dew  Sollenniitie  His  Royall  Comision 
afores'^  Now  to  y*"  Litent  That  all  Obedience  be  giuen  there- 
unto. I  do  hereby  In  his  Maj*^  Name  E-eq*' you  Eich'^Wal- 
di-on  Thom^  Daniel  Will"'  Vanghan  Rich'^  Martyn  John 
Oilman  Elias  Stileman  Walter  Barefoote  and  Richard  Cham- 
berlayne  Esq''?  To  repaire  forthw*''  To  the  Dwelling  house 
of  George  Snell,  where  I  shall  attend  not  ouely  to  Discharge 
my  dutie  in  these  his  Majes  Comands  but  be  Ready  to 
Aduise  w"'  you  in  all  other  Matters  which  any  wayes  Relates 
to  His  Maj*^®  Seruice  and  tlie  good  of  his  Subjects  so  I  bid 
you  heartely  farewell  and  Subscribe  myself  Gentlemen 

Your  most  Affectionate  Seruant, 

Edward  Cranfield. 


Before  my  letf  was  deliuered  Mr.  Waldron  sent  his  Sons 
&  another  person  with  him  To  invite  me  to  y''  house  wdiere 
y*^"  greatest  part  of  the  Councill  w^ere  met.  After  haueing 
made  them  acquainted  w*^  the  Tenour  of  his  Majes***  Comis- 
sion and  the  Rest  of  y®  Councill  being  come  Togather  I 
caused  the  Secretary  of  the  Province  to  Read  it  Which  being 
don  I  demanded  that  any  fiue  of  Them  would  give  me  the 
Oath  of  Alleagience  and  Supremacy  and  Test  at  w''^  MT  Wal- 
dron made  a  pause  and  said  the  old  Councill  desired  first  to 
be  sattisfied  how  and  by  what  Method  the  people  w^ere  to  be 
Governed  whereupon  I  Replied  His  Majesty  liad  by  Com- 
mission directed  and  Taken  Care  for  that  and  that  in  due 
time  Consideracon  should  be  had  of  what  w'as  Contained 
therein  Telling  them  y*"  ffirst  Stej^p  that  was  To  be  made  by 
his  Maj*^  Comands  was  that  any  fiue  of  them  should  Sweare 
me,  w^hich  if  one  of  them  refused  to  giue  Obedience  Too,  I 
knew  what  I  liad  to  do,  whereupon  they  Complied  and  gaue 
me  the  Oaths  off  Alleagience  and  Supremacie  w''^'  Likewise 
I  administred  to  them,  but  wanting  y*'  Stattute  Booke  could 
not  Subscribe  y*^  Test,  which  was  don  the  next  meeteing,  I 
ordered  a  Proclamation  To  be  Issued  out  To  siguifie  that  his 


RELATING    TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  121 

Majesty  bad  bin  Graciousely  pleased  to  appoynte  me  bis 
Lieu*  Governo''  (fee*  And  tbat  all  Officers  in  Autbority  sbould 
Act  and  do  tbeir  douties  in  tbeir  Eespectine  Offices,  wbile 
New  Comissions  could  be  giuen  out.  And  after  bauein 
suspended  M'  Waldron  and  Martyn  as  was  directed  by  bis 
Maje**  Instructions  I  adjourned  y''  Councill  it  being  tbe  time 
of  gatbering  tbeir  ludien  Corne  wbile  tbe  tentb  Instant,  at 
wbich  meeting  tbese  proceeding  and  ffoUoweing  Orders  w'^'^ 
are  liere  Inclosed.  Haueing  not  bad  time  to  make  my 
Obseruations  so  perticuler  as  are  dii'ected  by  tbose  beads 
of  Inqun-eies,  wbicb  I  receiued  ffrom  yo^  Lordsbip  sucb  as 
y''  sbort  time  of  "my  being  bere  would  afford  me  to  make. 

I  presume  to  Lay  before  you,  ffirst  as*"  y*'  Courts  of 
Judicature  onely  Tbe  Councill  batb  determined  all  Jucbciall 
matters  botb  Civile  and  Crimenall  and  apeals 

Secondly  y*"  number  of  tbe  borse  and  ffoote  are  about 
four  bundred  and  fifty  wbereof  about  Sixty  borse  but  y'^  most 
part  of  y*^  ffoote  are  badly  armed  and  Exercised. 

Tbirdly  One  Fort  built  of  Tymber  witli  eigbt  Gunnes  bad 
Extraorduiary  well  sittuated  upon  an  Neck  of  Land  at 
y^  moutli  of  tbe  Riuer  Piscattaqua  Nature  baueing  don 
so  mucli  tbat  in  y'-  judgment  of  all  persons  tbe  moutb  of 
tbe  Kiver  is  Capable  of  beine  j&brtified  at  a  smale  Cliarge 
ffi.n-  all  Sbipps  nnist  of  Necessitie  Come  witbin  Musket  Sbott 
of  New  Hampsbire  side  and  Pistoll  Sbott  To  tbe  prouince  of 
Mayne  wbere  tliere  is  an  Emenincee  y*  giues  great  Advantage 
of  y®  Sittuation  A  Regular  ifortifycation  and  wbere  y^  Eiuer 
well  Fortified,  it  As'ould  not  onely  Secure  ye  Inbabitants  of 
N.  Hampsbire  but  tbose  tbat  are  Settled  in  tbe  Prouince 
of  Ma^Tie  wbicb  were  it  added  to  tbis  His  Maj*-^*"  Government, 
it  would  soone  become  very  Considerable  for  not  onely  all  tbe 
ffisberys  belong  to  tbat  province  w'"""  in  breadtb  on  tbe  Sea  is 
Thirty  Leagues  tbe  Eastermoste  bounds  reaching  To  Sacca- 
debok,  being  y''  moutb  of  Kennebeck  Piscattaqua  makeing 
y''  soutb  bounds.  Tbe  Navegable  Piiuers  Therein  Begining 
at  Piscattaqua,  are  York  Riuer  Sacoe  Winter  Harbour  Casco 
Bay  wbere  a  Thousand  Sbipps  may  Ride  Landlockt,  there 
are  Sundery  other  smale  Rivers  whereon  Saw  Mills  are 
Standing  but  not   Nauigable.      Tbe    soyle   is   much  better 


122  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

There,  Then  any  in  N,  England  Southward  of  it,  Alsoe  it 
abounds  w"^  Tymber  both  oke  and  pine  w*^^  N.  Hampshire 
is  much  ])illeged  off. 

Forthly  The  Neighbours  are  considerable  l)oth  Indieus  & 
ffirench  in  these  Eastermost  parts,  both  for  Number  and 
strength  y'^  Ifrench  Proliibit  Trade  w*^  us  they  haue  a  gi-eat 
Trade  w"'  the  Indiens  for  Beuo*'  fi'thly  The  Amies  y*  are 
most  Usefull  here  by  Reason  of  y*^  woods  are  muskets  of 
■^ch  ye  luliabetants  are  ill  provided,  there  being  no  Amunition 
in  the  Province  but  w*  some  private  men  haue  and  y*  Incon- 
siderable. 

Sixthly  The  Province  under  my  Gouerm*  is  in  Breadth 
but  Seventeen  miles,  upon  y**  Sea  or  in  any  Other  part  no 
port  belonging  to  it  but  y®  River  Piscattaqua,  to  w*^"^  y**  Bos- 
ton""^  Claime  equall  priviledges  y'^  Province  of  Mayne  makeing 
one  side  of  y^  River. 

None  of  y®  Islands  of  Sholes  paying  Obedience  to  this 
Goverment,  so  y*  This  Prouince  hath  not  any  one  fishery 
belonging  to  it,  some  of  them  are  under  the  Province  of 
Ma^Tie,  w''^  is  ten  times  more  considerable  then  the  Province 
of  N.  Hampshire  in  all  Respects  here  being  but  four  poor 
Townes,  whereof  Portsm°  y'^  only  place  of  Trade. 

I  hope  yo"^  Lordships  will  be  pleased  to  Excuse  me  y*  I 
am  not  able  to  giue  a  more  Large  account  of  things  haueing 
most  of  my  Time  l)in  taken  up  in  Setling  things  y*  Relate  to 
the  Goverm*  Oiilj  shall  add  that  I  haue  Intilligence  from 
Boston  that  they  were  Allaramed  at  my  Comeing  that  they 
did  beleiue  I  had  In-ought  a  Quo  Warranto  Against  their 
Charter  and  that  my  Pattent  had  Comprehended  y*"  Province 
of  Ma^'ue  knowing  Their  purchas  was  againste  His  May*'*^" 
will  and  pleasure  w'^^  if  it  was  added  would  be  oft'  greate 
Advantage  to  His  Maj*^  Government  for  by  putting  an  easy 
rate  on  Smale  Vessells  y*  Come  from  Boston  &  other  parts 
of  their  Governm*  to  fetch  boards  pipestaues  and  other 
Tymber  y®  Goverm*  willbe  Easely  Supported  w*^out  bur- 
thenuig  y*"  Inhabitants  of  this  Province  who  are  So  poor, 
are  not  able  to  pay  their  parracall  duties  w'^^  Cannot  be 
done  unless  the  Province  of  Mayne  Consent  as  Avell  as 
Hampshire.     The  Riuer  Piscattaqua  running  between  both, 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  123 

all    wliic-lj    is    most    humbly    siibuutted    to    your   LoixlshipK 
Wisdome  so  humbly  beging  Leaue  to  subscribe  my  Self 
My  Lords 

Yo""  Lordships  most  humble  and  most 

Obedient  Seruant 
Edward  Cranfield 

(Endorsed)  23  Octol)  82  From  M^:  Cranheld  to  y*^  Com- 
mittee. Rec'd  y"  G  Jan  83  Eead  y*^  18  Lis*  State  of 
y^  province  of  Maine  to  be  laid  before  y**  L'l''. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRP]  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Pages  482-3. 

Lre  fi'om  M'"  Cranfield   to   y"^  Comm*''*' Touching  Waldern  & 

Martin,  &c.     New  Hampshire  fi'om  Potsm"  Dec  l***  1682 
May  it  please  yo'^'  Lord^T 

I  have  formerly  given  yo''  Lordi'"*  un  Acco^  of  my  Arrivall 
here,  &  of  such  Transactions  as  were  worthy  of  your  notice 
untill  y'-  Departure  of  j"  Last  Ships:  What  hath  since  occur- 
ed  I  humbly  present  to  yo^'  Lordships  as  followeth  : 

Concerning  Maj''  Waldron  &  M^'  Mai-tin  I  appointed  a  time 
for  the  Examination  of  y'  matter  giving  seasonable  Notice  to 
M'  Mason  to  prepare  Himself  to  make  good  His  charge  A: 
Issued  out  Summons  for  y®  Convening  of  Witnesses  in  order 
thereunto  some  of  whom  appeared  not,  &  those  y*  did  made 
out  nothing  But  on  the  other  hand  y  said  Waldron  A:  Martin 
offered  to  prove  fi'om  his  own  words  A'  writings  Sundry  things 
against  y'"  said  Mason  y*  were  misbecoming  touching  His 
Maj*"'  &  His  Authority  A'  such  as  were  not  to  be  allowed,  w'^'^ 
though  I  did  not  see  cause  to  receive  in  y'^  nature  of  a  charge 
Having  no  instruetitms  directing  me  thereunto  yet  thought 
meet  to  send  a  Copy  of  them  to  yo"^  L'^ships,  together  with 
their  particular  Answer  to  each  of  those  Articles  Exhibited 
against  them  by  M""  Mason  A'  Randolph.  LTpon  y''  whole. 
Having  weighed  &  Considered  all  matters,  I  find  y'  altho' 
there  might  have  been  some  Heats  of  Spirit  <S:  uuduenes  of 


12-i  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

Expression  between  M''  Mason  A'  them  wliile  contending 
about  property,  yet  notliing  to  render  them  guilty  of  such  dis- 
loyalty as  they  were  charged  Avith  ;  but  Having  Evid*  demon- 
stracon  to  y''  contrary  by  their  words  A:  Actions  I  did  upon  y*^ 
14th  Novemb*"  take  off  thier  Suspention  &  restore  them  to  y^ 
Councill,  finding  them  to  be  persons  ver}^  usefull  for  his 
Maj'''"  service  here. 

In  relation  to  M"^  Mason  He  hath  much  misrepresented  y® 
whole  matter  both  as  to  y*"  place  &  people,  the  Province 
being  nothing  so  Considerable,  nor  y*^  Inhabitants  so  Hu- 
mour'd  as  He  reports  :  There  are  but  four  small  Townes, 
<fe  those  m*^^**  Impoverished  by  tlieii"  Vast  expences  in  y®  Late 
Indian  Warre,  &  severall  Hundreds  of  pounds  in  Debt  to  this 
day  on  y*  Acco*.  I  find  them  very  Loyall  to  His  Maj*'*'  Ar 
respectfull  to  myselfe  as  coining  from  His  Maj"*^  &:  willing 
to  doe  w*  is  within  their  reach  for  y**  upholding  of  3-*^  Gov- 
ernm*^'  but  no  way  capable  of  doing  so  m*^^^  as  hath  been 
pretended.  And  instead  of  being  ready  to  o-\\ti  M*"  Mason 
as  their  Proprietor  they  are  very  slow  to  admit  of  any  person, 
except  their  Sovereign  Lord  the  King  to  be  their  Lord 
Proprietor  k  However  they  might  at  first  Complem*  in 
y*^  matter  few  or  none  (so  farre  as  I  can  Learn)  are  willing 
to  Comply  (some  few  Quakers,  &  such  like,  Excepted  <t 
those  upon  no  other  termes  than  upon  y®  Conditions  of  His 
recovering  y°  whole)  but  y""  Generall  desire  of  y*^  Province 
is  for  a  determination  of  y''  case  by  Law  So  y*  I  Humbly 
conceive  M'"  Mason  hath  taken  wrong  measures  for  his  pro- 
cedure He  concluded  upon  y*^  Laying  aside  of  M'"  Waldron 
&  Martin  &  discountenancing  y''  Minister  of  y''  princii)all 
place  in  y*"  Province  that  He  sli'^  have  frighted  y*'  People 
into  a  Complyauce  w*^  him,  but  finds  Himselfe  mistaken  : 
Whereas  had  He  desired  cfe  obtained  an  order  for  a  Tryall 
upon  y**  place  He  Had  been  in  my  Opinion  one  step  nearer 
y^  End  of  His  busines  than  now  He  is.  Hitherto  He  hath 
desired  y''  Summoning  but  of  one  person  before  me,  who 
hath  given  in  y^  Reasons  of  His  refusing  Complyauce  w*** 
His  demands,  a  Copy  of  w'^'^  together  w"'  y"  Stating  y^  case 
&  my  opinion  thereupon  annexed,  as  His  Maj"*'  in  His 
Commission   Commands  me  I   shall  by  the  next  Send  to 


RELATING  TO  NEW  HAMfSHlEE.  125 

yo^  Lordships  Hereupon  M'  Mason  seeing  y*^  fixednes  of 
the  people  in  their  way  did  by  y'^  Advice  of  M^"  Chaniberhiine 
press  me  to  restraine  y*"  Cutting  of  wood,  w'^*'  Had  I  done 
it  had  certainly  been  of  ill  Consecjuence  ;  for  without  wood 
for  firing  A:  Timber  for  Merchandize  y*'  poor  People  must 
needs  perish  :  Altho'  I  have  been  not  fairly  treated  by 
M'"  Mason  Sc  Cliaml)erlaine  for  refusing  to  gratifie  them, 
notwithstanding  I  have  kept  close  to  y'^  methods  prescrib'd 
me  in  His  Maj"*"®  Commission  relating  to  His  Claim. 

Had  I  yielded  to  such  Yiolent  Courses  as  they  urged  I 
should  have  gi'eatly  amaz'd  distui'b'd  &  p'judicd  y^  people 
&  no  wayes  promoted  His  Maj"*"^  Interest  &  Honour  w^'^'  is 
so  every  way  Superiour  to  y^  Satisfaction  of  any  private 
person  And  indeed  y''  people  stick  not  to  say  y'  M'!  Cham- 
berlains being  so  affected  to  M^  Masons  Interest  puts  Him 
upon  such  unsafe  <fc  irregular  Counsels  w'^^  they  were  ready 
to  attribute  to  Maj''  Shapleigh,  a  Quaker,  while  He  was 
alive,  but  he  being  dead  it  lies  at  y''  other's  door ;  &  they 
further  object  His  Indigency  w*^  some  other  Considerations 
of  Him  y*^  they  have  w'^  makes  them  m'"^  to  lament  y*  all 
their  Eecords  in  JudiciaU  matters,  their  Wills,  Bills  of  Sale, 
Titles  to  their  Lands  &  other  writings  in  w^'*'  they  are  so 
m'-^  concern'd  sh*^  be  in  y*"  Hands  of  one  so  devoted  to  their 
Antagonist,  without  any  Security  for  y''  discharging  of  y*  office 
faithfully  as  He  ought,  w*^^  Security  He  is  also  uncapable 
of  giving,  tho'  they  patiently  Submit  to  His  Maj"''*'  Eight  of 
Disposall  in  y'  matter,  yet  have  desired  me  Humbly  to 
recommend  it  to  yo'"  Lordships  Consideration  And  I  must 
needs  say  I  find  Hiui  very  uncapable  of  busines,  either 
for  drawing  Orders  or  other  work  appurtaining  to  His  Office 
whither  out  of  Origin  all  Inability  want  of  Experience  de- 
jectednes  through  poverty  or  being  deceiv'd  in  His  Expec- 
tations of  y"  profits  of  His  place,  or  w*ever  else  I  say  not 
w'"^  makes  me  y*^  more  uneasy  in  y*"  Discharge  of  my  duty. 
I  have  Setled  Him  in  His  Office  as  Secretary  k  Clerke  of 
y'"  Inferiour  Courts  put  all  y'  Records  into  His  Hands  so 
y*  w'  fees  there  are  ( w'"'^  I  think  are  not  many)  He  receives : 
But  He  accounts  Himselfe  Hardly  dealt  w*^  if  he  have  not 
y*^  profits  of  y®  scale  &  of  every  Summons  or  WaiTants  all 


126  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

w''^  amounts  not  to  ten  ])onn(ls  j)  Annu.  Whereas  when  any 
matter  of  Service  to  His  Maj''*^  is  oftered  He  Declines  it, 
as  for  Instance  The  Ofiice  of  Judge  of  y^  Admiralty  Court, 
w'^  upon  my  directing  a  Commission  to  Him  for  \^  Con- 
stituting of,  He  refused  whereby  the  Kings  busines  is 
Obstructed,  y''  prosecuting  y*^  Acts  of  Navigation  hindered 
&  damage  like  to  come  to  His  Maj'''**  Interest  by  y*  means 
untill  a  returne  from  His  Eoyall  Highness,  Avho  hath  reserved 
to  HimseKe  y**  making  a  Judg  for  y'  Court,  c^-  if  y^  methods  of 
Governm*  be  carryed  on  according  to  Instructions  y''  Charge 
«fe  Labour  in  writing  will  be  little  lesse  than  that  of  other 
His  Maj'''^  Plantations  &  y**  Incomes  so  inconsiderable 
y*  Kingsbridge  is  as  well  able  to  Support  y*^  Honour  c^' 
Expence  of  a  Governm'  as  this  Province.  And  if  M":  Mason 
sh*^  have  his  six  pence  p  pound  of  all  y''  Improv'd  Lands,  the 
whole  (However  He  magnify ed  a  fifth  part  of  the  Rents  & 
Fines)  would  not  amount  to  One  Hundred  pounds  p  Annu 
But  if  y*"  Province  of  Main  were  added  to  this  Goveru- 
m*  (y*  River  of  Pascataq  equally  belonging  to  them  both) 
we  might  then  put  a  Tax  upon  Boards,  Staves  &  Timber 
y*  would  support  y*"  same,  However  I  shalbe  chearfull  under 
yo""  Lordships  Comands  for  His  Maj*^*^^  Service  dui'ing  my 
Continuance  here. 

Touching  Ecclesiasticall  matters,  the  attempting  to  settle 
y*"  way  of  y*^  Church  of  England  I  perceive  wilbe  very 
grievous  to  y''  people.  However  M'"  Mason  asserted  y*  theii- 
Inclinacons  were  m*"^  y*  way.  I  have  obsen-ed  them  to  be 
very  dilig*  &  devout  in  attending  on  y*  mode  of  worship 
w'*"  they  have  been  brought  up  in,  &  hath  been  so  long 
setled  among  them  S:  seem  to  be  very  tenacious  of  it,  <k, 
are  very  thankfuU  for  His  Maj*"'^  Gracious  Indulgence  in  those 
matters. 

The  Gen"  Assembly  after  three  weekes  sitting  have  desired 
a  Recess  for  some  time  by  reason  of  y''  Sharpness  of  y^  Season 
<fe  shortues  of  y*'  dayes,  liy  w*"'*  busines  is  m''^'  retarded,  nor 
were  they  al)le  to  sit  al)ove  three,  or  at  utmost  four  dayes  in 
a  Week.  Some  Lawes  are  passt,  but  sh'^  I  have  awaited 
M":  Chamberlain's  Transcription  of  them,  I  would  not  have 
given  yo''  Lordships   a  sight   of  them  by  this  Ccmveyance, 


RELATING  TO  NEW  HAMSPHIEE.  127 

but   by   y*^  next   opportunity   shall   send   them   Authentique 
under  y®  Seale  as  is  directed. 

Furtlier  I  crave  leave  w*''  Submission,  to  lay  before 
yo^'  Lordships  y*  y*'  Restriction  upon  Councill  t"^'  Assembly 
&  Courts  of  Judicature  from  meeting  in  Houses  of  Enter- 
taium*  is  not  practicable  here  without  gi-eat  Inconveniences, 
as  we  have  in  this  Session  Experienced  &  shall  further  find 
when  y*'  Country  round  about  comes  into  y^  Courts  of  Judi- 
cature Held  in  y^'  Severall  Townes  of  y®  Province,  &  therefore 
Huml)ly  desire  y*  we  may  be  favoured  in  y*  point,  as  other 
His  Maj'"'' Plantations  are,  &  y*  w*  hath  customarily  used  to 
come  in  by  Courts  may  be  Imployed  for  defraying  y®  Charges 
of  said  Courts  while  Sitting  as  it  is  in  other  places  or  else 
y*^  Judges  Justices  c\:  Jurors  must  meet  <t  spend  their  time 
upon  their  own  Charge  w'^^  Seems  somew*  hard  to  them 
y*  have  not  Estates  to  bear  it  out. 

I  forget  to  adde  j^  upon  Arguing  Cap*  Stileman's  Case 
with  MT  Mason  y*"  Old  Eecord  book  of  j"  Province  was 
produced,  wherein  it  appeared  y*  in  CajD*  Jn°  Mason's  life 
time,  y''  Inhabitants  being  wholy  ^\dthout  Governm*  were 
forced  to  enter  into  a  Combination  to  Govern  themselves 
by  His  Maj''*'^  Lawes  as  w^ell  as  they  could  a  Copy  of  w*^'^  I 
have  herewith  Sent ;  as  also  they  petitioned  y®  Massachusets 
to  take  them  under  their  Governm*  when  they  found  by  Ex- 
perience y*  they  could  not  Govern  themselves.  So  y*  y®  Mas- 
sachusets never  Exercised  Authority  over  them,  till  desired 
by  themselves  :  And  as  for  Taxes,  y*^  people  owne  y*  y''  Mas- 
sachusets have  Expended  Severall  Thous'l''  pounds  for  them 
in  y*'  Indian  Warre,  y*  they  never  had  am'  Compensation  for. 
I  doe  also  find  y*  y"  people  upon  a  further  Hearing  Avill  have 
many  things  to  Say  against  M^  Mason's  property  w*"^  thev 
reserve  for  an  Issue  in  Law  Having  no  more  at  present  to 
trouble  your  Loi;*  I  subscrilie  myselfe 

My  Lords  Your  Jjo^'J'  Most  Humble  &  obed*  Serv* 

Edw.  Cranfield. 

(Addressed)  For  y«  Eight  HonH^'^  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
mittee for  FoiTaign  Plantations. 

(Endorsed)  New  Hampshire  1.  Dec.  1682.  From  M''. Cran- 
field to  the  Com^r   Rec'^  y«  23  Feb'-y    Read  j"-  27  Apr.  1683. 


128  EARLY   DOCUMENTS 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

Portsm"  in  New  Hampshire 

(1682.    December  1.) 

May  it  please  yo*'  Houo"^- 

I  have  sent  inclosed  a  Lre  to  y''  Eight  Hono^^*^  ye  Lords  of 
y^  Comittee  for  Forraign  Plantations,  wherein  I  have  given 
y^  true  state  of  matters  here  so  farre  as  my  Observation  in  so 
short  a  time  woukl  advantage  me  to  doe :  together  w**^  Copies 
of  such  Lawes  as  were  made  by  y®  Generall  Assembly,  w'^^''  I 
had  not  opportunity^  to  get  transcribed  by  y®  Secretary  «t 
made  Authentique  by  y^  seal,  but  shall  doe  it  by  y*^  next  Con- 
veyance Also  a  declaration  of  M'^'-  Chamberlaines  declining 
before  y*'  Council  y^  Office  of  Judge  of  y*"  Admiralty  Court 
w**^  ye  Answers  of  M'^'-  Waldron  tt  Martin  to  y*^  Chai-ges  of 
M^-  Mason  &  Eandolph.  And  I  beg  leave  to  give  yo''  Hono^'  an 
Acco*  of  whatever  hath  been  suggested  by  M'"-  Mason  y*  Intro- 
ducing y*'  way  of  y''  Church  of  England  will  not  be  practicable 
here,  as  I  have  particularly  by  a  Lre  to  each  informed  His 
Grace  y'^'  L'^  Arch-Bisho]:>  of  Canterbury  and  y«  L*^  B^'  of 
London. 

I  wrot  to  yo^"  Houo^'  in  my  last,  how  necessary  it  would  be 
yt  ye  Province  of  Meyn  sh'^  be  added  to  this  Governm* :  Here 
is  a  great  want  of  Amies  in  y*'  Province  w'^'  I  hoi)e  yo^'  Houo^" 
wilbe  pleased  to  move  for,  a  supply  of  500  firelocks  and  150 
Cases  of  Pistols  will  i)ut  y*'  Province  into  a  Capacity  to  defend 
themselves  against  y*"  Insolent  Natives.  When  y®  Gen'^  Assem- 
bly sits  w''^  wilbe  about  a  month  hence,  I  shall  have  further 
matter  to  present  yo'"  Hono''  w*''  this  being  all  at  present  fi-om 
Yo'"  Hono'''  most  Humble  &  most  obed'  serv*^ 

Edw  Cranfield 

(Addressed)  fibr  the  Right  honor''^''  S^'  Lyonell  Jenkins 
principall  Secretary  of  State  to  his  Maj''-''  Att  Whitehall 

(Endorsed)  New  Hampshire  1  Dec^'  E.  13  Febr.  Mr. 
Oianfield. 


BfeLATING  TO  NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  129 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

(1682.  Dec.  30.) 

Riglit  Honorable. 

By  my  Letters  from  Boston  I  gave  yo^  Lordships  an  acco" 
that  at  my  arrivall  to  this  province  I  was  kindly  received  and 
acknowledged  Governour  tlierof,  and  finding  the  Coimcill  and 
otiier  Inhabitants  possessed  of  large  tracts  of  lands  claimed  by 
M^'  Mason  and  resolved  to  make  the  best  defence  they  could, 
I  did  not  at  that  time  think  it  for  his  Maj^^  Service  to  make 
myself  a  party  by  appearing  on  M''-  Masons  behalf  but  de- 
ferred that  to  a  decision  at  Law,  and  made  it  my  business 
with  all  moderation  in  order  to  a  quiett  and  peaceable  settle- 
ment to  compose  the  minds  of  the  people.  At  the  rising  of 
the  Assembly  in  November  last  I  passd  their  Laws  some 
wherof  were  then  made  in  their  favour  &  made  them  sensible 
I  obliged  them  thereby  they  also  seemed  highly  affected  that 
his  Maj*'  Notwithstanding  severall  complaints  were  offered  by 
M""-  Mason  and  M'-  Eandolph  reflecting  upon  their  ill  man- 
agement in  Government  had  of  his  great  clemency  been 
pleased  to  continue  them  of  his  Councill  in  this  province  and 
often  expressing  their  resolutions  for  the  futm-e  to  become 
obedient  to  his  laws  and  Eoyall  Commands  upon  which  I  was 
induced  to  believe  they  were  in  good  earnest  and  to  continue 
the  present  peace  dismissed  the  charge  brought  here  against 
M*--  Waldern  late  president  M""-  Martin  and  others  by  M'"-  Ma- 
son being  thereto  obliged  Strictly  to  attend  the  methods  laid 
downe  to  me  in  his  Maj***  Commission  and  in  my  papers  also 
upon  that  present  State  of  affairs  writt  to  yo^'  Lordships  m 
their  ffavour 

My  Lords  left  it  not  seem  strange  to  yo^'  Lordships  that  in 
so  short  a  time  the  matters  in  this  paper  appears  so  different 
from  my  former  discourses  to  yo^'  Lordships  from  Boston, 
which  in  honour  to  his  Maj'-^'  and  vindication  of  my  sincerity 
to  his  service  I  take  the  first  opi^ortunity  to  lay  before  yo'' 
Lordships  as  follows.     All  in  the  late  Couiicill  together  with 


130  EABLY  DOCUMENTS 

many  of  the  chief  Inhabitants  in  this  province  are  part  of  the 
Grand  Combination  made  up  of  Church  members  of  Congi'e- 
gational  Assemblies  throughout  the  Colonies  in  New  England, 
and  bj  that  they  are  so  strictly  obliged  that  the  interest  or 
prejudice  of  any  One  if  considerable  affects  and  influences  the 
whole  party  and  thus  it  hath  fallen  out  here. 

About  Aug'  last  the  ju-esident  and  Councill  of  this  province 
admitted  the  Ketch  George  a  Scotch  Yessell  sailed  with  Scots- 
men belonging  to  one  Jeffray  a  Scotsman  a  Church  member 
here  to  enter  and  trade  contrary  to  the  12th  of  the  King  aliout 
ffourteen  days  after  my  arrival  M'-  Randolph  having  advice 
hereof  seized  her  and  Cargo  for  his  Maj*^  upon  which  I  ordered 
her  to  be  stopped  and  a])pointed  a  Court  for  a  tryal  Avliere 
M'"-  Eandolijh  apjiearing  on  his  Maj*^  behalf  insisted  upon  the 
breach  of  the  Acts  of  trade  and  prayed  condemnation  ther- 
upon.  But  the  Jury  in  which  were  ffour  Church  Members 
and  leading  men  although  nothing  was  offered  in  barr  of 
Judgement  find  against  the  King  and  give  Jeffray  costs  of 
Court  against  M^"-  Randolph  upon  this  I  have  been  obliged  to 
take  neAv  measure's  and  in  the  ftirst  place  have  turned  Stile- 
man  Captain  of  the  ffort  a  Church  Member  out  off  his  Com- 
mand for  suffering  the  Ketch  to  pass  the  ft'ort  before  the  try  all 
against  my  express  order  to  the  contrary,  and  I  have  directed 
M""  Randolph  to  prosecute  with  all  vigour  all  persons  con- 
cerned in  contriving  the  escape  and  also  to  attaint  the  jury  for 
bringing  a  false  Verdict  so  that  I  am  now  upon  this  just  occa- 
sion engaged  to  follow  this  matter  as  farr  as  Law  and  the 
integrity  of  Juries  will  admitt,  and  to  lay  aside  persons  whom 
I  find  declining  in  this  so  gi-eat  a  violation  of  Law  &  Justice. 
Upon  my  receiving  his  Maj*-^  Commission  for  the  Government 
of  this  province  yo""  Lordships  were  of  opinion  that  the  irregu- 
lar trade  so  often  complained  of  by  M'-  Randolph  in  his 
papers  to  yo^"  Lordships  would  be  totally  discouraged. 

The  sight  of  the  Lark  ffrigat  in  their  harbour  putt  an  awe 
upon  them,  but  so  long  as  their  preachers  exercise  a  counter- 
manding power  to  his  Maj*-'  authority  and  oppose  all  persons 
and  things  which  recive  not  a  Sanction  fro  them  I  am  in  much 
doubt  where  to  find  honest  and  fitt  persons  enough  in  this 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  l3l 

small  Colony  to  administer  Justice  serve  in  Juries  and  ex- 
ecute the  Several  parts  in  Government.  1  cannot  omitt  to 
acquaint  yo^"  Lord^'^  of  one  particular  case  lately  practised  in 
the  Courts  of  this  province  A  Gentleman  brought  his  action 
upon  a  bond  against  a  Churchmember,  the  case  was  so  plain 
that  the  Jury  found  for  the  plaintiff  but  the  Court  would  not 
admitt  of  that  verdict,  but  gave  damages  against  them  thus 
their  preachers  Support  their  common  Interest. 

My  Lords  I  have  insisted  the  larger  in  this  matter  because 
I  find  it  not  in  my  power  long  to  continue  y  good  Govern- 
ment of  this  province  unless  it  be  given  me  in  command  by 
order  from  his  Maj**  and  also  from  my  Lord  of  London  under 
whose  Diocess  the  fforreign  plantations  are  to  remove  all  such 
their  preachers  who  oppose  and  endeavour  to  disturb  the 
peace  of  this  Government  which  method  wilbe  necessary  to 
be  observed  in  the  Settlement  of  the  Bostoners  Colony  and 
also  in  the  province  of  Main  from  which  I  can  only  expect 
tricks  and  trouble  till  annexed  to  this  Government,  they  claim- 
ing the  privilege  of  one-half  of  the  Eiver  of  Pascataway  which 
divides  the  two  provinces  Li  the  mean  time  I  shall  not  be 
wanting  with  all  chearfullness  and  fidelity  to  discharge  the 
trust  reposed  in  me  by  his  Maj^^  and  yo*"  Lordships. 

My  Lords  as  I  had  finished  this  Letter  the  Jury  in  the 
case  of  the  Ketch  George  having  some  dread  on  them  of  the 
ill  consequence  that  might  befall  them  by  reason  of  their 
eiToneous  verditt  against  the  King  Petitioned  me  to  admitt 
them  to  mend  their  verdict  and  it  not  being  recorded  I  gi'anted 
their  desii-e  whereupon  they  found  for  the  King,  and  the 
vessell  is  now^  condemned  though  out  of  our  possession  I  am 
humbly  of  opinion  this  will  terrify-  succeeding  Juries  So  as  not 
to  be  influenced  to  adhere  to  the  malignant  party  to  goe 
against  Law  and  evidence  for  the  future,  which  were  it  not  for 
fear  of  punishing  their  purses  more  then  burdening  their  con- 
sciences they  would  not  stick  to  doe.  I  am  sorry  to  find  the 
actions  of  these  people  so  farr  short  of  what  they  first  pro- 
fessed and  my  Character  of  them  to  yo''  Lordships  but  it  pro- 
ceeds not  out  of  any  mutability  in  me  but  from  themselves  for 
want  of  that  Loyalty  they  so  much  boasted  of,  they  having 
been  in  a  confederacy  to  carry  the  cause  against  the  King. 


13^  EARLY  DOCUMl^lWS 

Notwithstanding  all  wliicli  if  I  am  coiintonanced  by  yo*'  Lord- 
ships I  doubt  not  to  bring  this  people  to  reason  and  obedience 
to  his  Maj*y 

I  am  Rigli*-  hono''^^ 
New  Hampshire  Yor  Lordships  most  obedient 

30  Decern  1682.  and  most  hnmble  servant 

Edw.  Crakfield. 

(Endorsed)     New  Hampshire  1G82.     30  Dec     R.  10  May. 
M'-  Crautiield  to  y*'  Lords  Com'''  of  Trade. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

(1682) 
May  it  please  yo'"  Hono*" 

This  Inclosed  Peticon  was  brought  to  me  by  Capt"  ffranc^ 
Champenone  in  behalf  of  y*"  Inhabitants  of  y''  Province  of 
Mayn  w''^  is  humbly  desired  that  yo^  Hono*"  w'ould  be  pleased 
so  far  to  fano*"  them  as  to  haue  it  read  before  his  Maj*''  in 
Councill  and  in  case  His  Maj'^  should  so  far  Condesend  as  to 
grant  their  peticon  the  advantage  of  uniting  y*  province  to 
this  his  Maj*''"*'  Goverment  will  prone  in  A  Short  Time  so  con- 
siderable that  it  will  not  be  only  a  means  to  Suport  y*^  Hono'' 
of  his  Maj*-^*"  Goverm*  but  keepe  the  people  in  their  dutie  and 
Loyalty  w''^  otherwise  will  be  difficult  to  do  in  regard  this 
smale  Province  is  hedged  in  by  the  Boston'''  whose  endouo'"'' 
&  designes  I  perceiue  are  to  pvert  &  undermine  this  Settle- 
ment of  His  Maj''*'''  Goverm*^  ,  I  haue  taken  a  vew  of  y*^  Condi- 
con  of  y"  Inhabitants  of  y  Province  however  it  hath  bin  rep- 
resent to  His  Maj*-^  The  true  state  ct  Condicon  of  them  is 
very  meane  there  being  not  ten  men  worth  five  hundred 
pounds  each  and  not  likely  to  Improue  haueing  no  Ifisheries 
nor  Tymber  considerable  left  to  increase  trade  should  M""- 
Mason  dispossess  the  Towns  of  their  unimproud  lands  it 
would  be  impossible  for  aboue  four  or  five  families  to  Subsist, 


RELATING   TO  NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  138 

haueing  no  where  else  to  ffeed  their  Cattle  in  Winter  S:  Sumer, 
for  their  Maineteinence  ariscth  wholely  thereby,  their  Tymber 
Trade  being  very  much  decayed.  The  Inhabitants  most  of 
them  declare  they  must  with-draw  and  quit  the  Province  if 
M''  Mason  will  not  accept  an  acknowledment  for  the  Comons 
as  wel  as  y*'  improved  lands,  w'^  if  every  man  were  wilhng  to 
pay  in  the  four  ToAvns  the  Six  pence  on  y*^  pound  to  M'  Ma- 
son it  will  not  amount  to  above  one  hundred  pounds  p  auu 
w*  euer  he  hath  Suggested  to  himself  to  y*"  contrary.  The 
people  are  willing  to  contrilnite  towards  both,  to  y*"  Support 
of  his  Maj*^'^^^  Goverm*.  in  this  province,  &  to  sattisfy  any  rea- 
sonable demands  of  M'"  Mason  Also  very  dutyfull  in  their 
Ex})ressons  and  behaueour  towards  his  Maj*^"  and  Goverm* 
Contrary  to  my  exjjcctacons. 

Yo'"  Hono''  would  do  this  province  y**  greatest  good  Imagin- 
able if  y"  would  be  pleased  to  procure  of  his  Maj*-^"  four  hun- 
dred <^'  fifty  fii-e  lock  muskets  &  one  hundred  Case  of  pistols 
and  one  hundred  Carbines  w^'^out  which  the  Pr<3^4nce  cannot 
be  Safe  against  the  Indiens  who  are  well  armed  liy  y*"  ffrench, 
w^hicli  makes  them  here,  of  late  very  Insolant  in  these  Eastern 
parts 

May  it  please  yo'"  Hon'- 

I  have  no  more  at  present  to  Treble  yo''  Hon'"  w*^all  only  to 
let  you  know  that  at  the  meeting  of  y®  Assembly  I  shall  En- 
deuour  to  get  such  Laws  past  that  may  be  Satisfactory  to  his 
Maj'-^  and  Suteable  to  the  constitution  of  the  people,  in  the 
mean  time  shall  call  y^  Treasure  to  an  account  for  that  little 
publicc[ue  monies  ^hich  has  bin  raised  Since  his  Maj*^' ^  Com- 
mission y^  18'^  of  Sepber  1G79  w""^  account  and  take  the  Ex- 
aminacon  of  Waldron  and  Martyus  Charge  as  alsoe  all  other 
proceedings  shall  be  Transmitted  to  yo^  Hon*!*^  and  the  Lords 
of  his  Maj*^*^^'^  W^^'J  Councill  appoynted  Commitie  it'* 
I  am  Yo^'  Hon*"^  most  humble  and  most 

Obedient  Seruant 

Edw.  Cranfield 

(Endorsed)  New  England  82.  New  Hampshire  R.  about 
Jau  82-3    M--  Cranfield 


134  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

(1G82-3.     Jan.  10.) 
Right  Honorable 

May  it  please  yo*'  Lordships. 

Mv  last  was  from  Boston  Avhere  I  spent  time  enongh  to  pr}^ 
into  some  of  the  Secrets  of  the  ti'action,  npon  my  dealing 
plainly  with  them,  in  reference  to  their  affairs  at  Court,  they 
told  me  that  by  the  })assious  and  precipitate  counsels  amongst 
them,  they  had  highly  and  deservedly  incurred  his  Maj*^ 
pleasure  And  that  if  a  Quo  Warranto  should  be  brought 
against  their  CUiarter  they  Avould  be  at  no  further  charge  to 
make  a  defence  but  cast  themselves  at  his  Maj''^  feet  and  sue 
for  pardon  and  willingly  submitt  to  such  Regulations  as  in  his 
princely  Wisedome  should  seem  meet. 

If  his  Maj'J-  shall  think  fitt  to  send  a  Quo  AYarranto  to  M^' 
Randolph  and  shew  the  Goaernor  Magistrates  <fe  General 
Court  that  in  One  hand  and  a  Commission  with  a  General 
pardon  in  the  other  hand  I  have  good  assurance  from  both 
parties  the  letters  will  have  a  kind  recejotion,  Avithout  putting 
his  Maj*^  to  any  further  charge  or  trouble,  they  will  Swollow 
all  that  is  in  my  Commission  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that 
all  the  preachers  are  to  be  placed  or  displaced  as  the  Govern- 
our  shall  think  fitt  ffor  I  find  they  have  so  great  an  influence 
upon  the  people  and  so  apt  to  disturl)  the  peace,  that  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  Govern  this  small  province  without  that 
power. 

I  must  intreat  yo*'  Lordships  favour  in  having  my  Commis- 
sion of  Admiralty  enlarged  and  to  contain  all  the  Maritime 
Coast  from  Kenebeck  river  in  the  province  of  Main  to  ffair- 
feild  in  Connecticut  Colony  the  better  to  secure  the  Coast 
and  present  Interlo]5ers,  which  come  fi'om  prohibited  ports, 
and  that  I  be  also  impowered  to  Grant  passes  to  all  Ships 
that  Sayle  from  these  parts  to  secure  them  against  the  Al- 
gerins,  and  other  Turks. 

There  is  a  Clause  in  my  Commission  for  raising  of  taxes 
and  im])ositions  for  Supi)ort  of  the  Government,  which  I 
humbly  intreat  may  be  declared  in  these  words,  for  Support 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIEE,  135 

and  maiiiteiiance  of  the  Goveriiour  and  Government  because 
the  Assembly  woukl  understand  the  words,  onl}'  to  imply  for 
Maintaining  the  Government  without  having  any  relation  to 
my  Subsistence  ffor  I  find  these  people  very  criticall  in  all 
words  and  expressions  and  are  read}'  to  take  all  advantages 
against  the  Kings  prerogative  as  they  have  lately  discovered 
themselves. 

There  are  severall  Scotsmen  that  inhabitt  here  and  are 
great  Interlopers  and  bring  in  quantities  of  goods  nnd(>r- 
hand  from  Scotland.  I  desire  M''  Attorney  General  his  opin- 
ion upon  the  Act  of  the  12*''  of  the  King  ffor  Encouraging  and 
Increasing  of  Shipping  and  Navigation.  Whether  a  Scotsman 
born  can  be  permitted  to  inhabit  and  trade  as  a  Merchant  or 
ft'actor  they  pretending  a  right  themnto  as  being  born  within 
the  Alk'giance  of  Our  Sovereign  Lord  the  King,  whicli  I 
humbly  conceive  Scotsmen  are  not  privileged  by  that  Act  to 
Exercise  the  trade  or  occupation  of  a  Merchant  or  factor  in 
his  Maj*"*  Plantations  Since  my  arrival  here  a  Scots  Vessell 
Avas  Seized  l)y  M'"  Randolph  and  condemned  &:  Sold  for  120'*' 
of  which  M''  Fuindolph  will  give  yo*'  Lordships  a  particular 
account. 

As  to  M^'  Masons  concerns  he  expected  the  people  Avould 
have  turned  tenants  to  him  at  his  first  arrival  but  he  now 
finds  the  perverse  temper  of  many  of  them  mIio  are  influenced 
by  Waldern  and  Moody  whom  at  ni}^  first  coming  I  was  so 
charitable  to  beleive  they  were  better  men  tlien  now  I  find 
them  That  without  a  tryall  first  had  upon  the  place  as  hath 
been  directed  in  his  Maj*'*  Letters  to  the  Boston^"''  which  these 
his  Stubborn  Opposers  doe  depend  upon,  before  his  MaJ'^  in 
Councill  can  give  a  tinall  Judgment  against  them,  and  all 
this  is  only  to  gain  time  I  am  therefore  of  opinion  that  an  Or- 
der be  directed  to  me  to  admitt  of  tryals  betAveen  liim  and 
the  Terteiiauts  as  in  the  Boston  Cjlony  and  then  they  will 
come  to  his  terms  rather  than  to  be  a  charge  c'c  trouble  to  de- 
fend a  bad  title,  and  answer  his  Appeals  in  England. 

As  to  other  matters  relating  to  the  Bostoners  I  suppose  yo'' 
Lordships  will  have  an  Account  fi'om  M""  Randolph  who  is 
well  accjuainted  with  the  humour  of  the  people  and  will  give 
yo*"  Lord**  the    names    of   fitting   persons  to  be  putt  into  the 


130  EAllLY    DOCUMENTS 

Coiumissiou  as  a  C\)uiuill  when  his  Maj*-^  shall  think  titt  to 
reassume  that  Govenmieut  M'"  Randolph  hath  gone  thro 
nuiny  ditliculties  and  troubles  in  his  ini])loynient,  but  tliat 
wilbe  soon  over,  if  he  have  the  same  assistance  in  other 
places  as  I  shall  be  al)le  to  give  him  wlieii  I  have  my  Com- 
mission of  Admiralty  enlarged. 

The  Assembly  is  now  Sitting  and  I  much  question  whether 
I  shalbe  able  to  dispose  them  to  nndve  any  Settlement  for 
my  Sujiport,  and  to  defray  the  Necessary  charge  of  the  Gov- 
erumen*-  And  therfore  I  judge  it  absolutely  necessary  that 
his  Maj*^'  impower  myself  and  the  Councill  under  his  Signett 
and  Sign  Manuall  to  raise  nnmeys  b}'  Customs  Excise  and 
otherways  not  exceeding  One  thousand  pound  p  an  and  here- 
in the  people  will  acquise.     I  am  My  Lords  Yo'"  Lordships 

M<jst  hund)le  S:  obedient  Servant 
New  Hampshire  E])W.  Ckanfield. 

10  January  1()8U. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Kight  Honorable  the  Lords  of  the 
Committee  of  Trade  and  Plantatous. 

(Endorsed)  New  Hampshire,  10  ffebr  R.  10  May.  M>"  Cran- 
tield  Duplicate  of  his  Letter  to  the  Lords  Com''? 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  17. 

(1082  H.     J<n,.2H.) 
Plight  Honorable 

May  it  please  j-o''  Lordships 

In  my  last  which  went  by  way  of  Berbadoes  I  acquainted 

yo''  Lordships,  that  I  perceived   such  an  ill  Sj)iritt  in  the  As- 

semV)ly  that  I  had  no  hoi)es  of  Disposing  them  to  agree  to  any 

Laws  that  would  be   satisfactory  to  yo''  Lordships,    amongst 


RELATING    J't)    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  1H7 

the  many  other  proposals  T  made  to  them  I  recommeiuleil 
this  indosed  Bill  (it  haviii<i;  passed  the  Coimcill  for  the  rais- 
iu^  a  Revenue  to  Support  the  Government  but  all  endeavours 
were  rendered  ineilectuall  l)v  the  influence  of  the  Ministers 
who  would  Suffer  them  to  ])ass  no  Laws  but  such  as  Avere 
against  the  methods  presciibed  l)y  his  Maj**'  Commission  and 
would  have  established  Iiide])endancy  not  knowin<f  where 
those  growing  evills  might  terminate  I  dissolved  them  upon 
the  20tli  Instant  this  Bill  was  Judged  by  all  indifferent  men 
to  be  the  most  equallest  way  for  laising  of  money  that  could 
be  thought  of  but  since  they  have  refused  to  doe  their  duty 
to  his  Ma*''  in  that  particular  I  shall  with  the  consent  of  the 
Couneill  continue  the  Impositions  that  have  been  lately  raised 
upon  the  Inhabitants  as  is  directed  by  his  Maj"**  Commission 
which  will  goe  a  good  way  towards  the  defraying  the  necessary 
charges  of  the  Government  as  it  will  be  now  distributed  :  ffor 
as  it  hath  been  the  constant  Custome  amongst  the  Bostcmers 
not  only  to  ease  themselves  in  their  Kates  and  to  burthen  and 
charge  the  poorer  Sort  of  people,  so  they  neuer  failed  to  give 
plentiful!}'  to  each  other  in  authority  which  methods  in  pro- 
portion were  carefully  observed  in  this  province,  which  wilbe 
now  out  of  Doors  here  His  Maj*®  Commission  impowering  me 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Councell  to  dispose  and 
issue  out  all  moneys  by  my  Warrant  I  shall  take  care  it  be 
done  in  the  most  Equall  manner  that  can  be  which  clause  will 
be  necessary  to  be  incerted  in  the  Commission  Avhen  his  Maj*-^' 
shall  think  titt  to  settle  the  Massachusets  Government.  The 
taxes  now  raised  annually  upon  the  people  are  high  and  un- 
equall  the  ffaction  will  soon  dispose  the  Assembly  to  raise  a 
Revenue  to  defray-  the  charge  of  the  Government  rather  then 
have  the  old  taxes  continued  unless  they  might  have  the  di- 
vision of  the  Surplusage  as  formerly.  This  being  done  and 
the  preachers  to  he  placed  and  displaced  l)y  the  Governour 
I  have  an  hund)le  confidence  those  people  wilbe  brought  to 
that  duty  and  obedience  as  becomes  good  Subjects  without 
putting  his  Maj'^>  to  any  charge  besides  the  Commission. 

When  I  was  in  Boston  at  the  request  of  the  Magistrates  I 
writt  to  my  Lord  Hide  a  Letter  to  introduce  their  Agents  to 
his  Lordship  presuming  at  this  time  it  might  be  of  use  to  liis 


138  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

Maj*^  Service  they  being  ordered  to  tender  2000"'  for  a  pardon 
though  I  was  certain  it  would  not  be  accepted  yet  it  was  a 
kind  of  pleading  Guilty 

I  was  sure  his  Lordship  who  well  knew  that  the  dissolution 
of  that  Government  was  of  so  gi'eat  an  importance  to  his  Maj'^ 
concerns  that  One  hundred  thousand  pounds  would  not  make 
good  the  loss  his  Maj'-'  should  sustain  in  a  few  years  were 
they  toUerated  therefore  my  Letter  served  only  as  intelligence 
how  matters  stood  here,  and  what  I  writt  in  their  favour  was 
only  in  design  to  insinuate  myself  into  their  Counsells  and  I 
doe  find  they  are  all  unwilling  to  be  at  any  further  expence  in 
defence  of  then-  Charter,  if  a  Quo  Warranto  should  be  brought 
against  them  knowing  themselves  to  be  notorious  offenders 
therefore  I  dare  assure  yo''  Lordships  if  a  Coumiission  with  a 
pardon  come  they  will  submitt  to  Such  Regulations  as  his 
Maj*>'  shall  think  fitt  I  have  sent  yo'"  Lordships  by  a  Letter  of 
this  date  b}- way  of  Barbadoes,  a  duplicate  of  the  Laws  I  have 
passed  which  if  yo^  Lordships  please  to  disallow  of  it  may  be 
a  means  of  havmg  better  made  for  the  future  in  the  mean  time 
I  govern  them  by  the  Laws  of  England  If  a  letter  were  writt 
to  me  that  I  might  show  these  people  Signifying  his  Maj'''  re- 
senting their  want  of  Duty,  it  might  bring  them  into  a  better 
temper.  They  are  easier  to  be  imposed  upon  by  their  Teach- 
ers being  illiterate  then  to-  be  taught  their  duty  to  his  Maj*-' 
but  I  make  no  doubt  to  overcome  these  difficulties  if  I  may 
have  a  check  upon  their  Ministers  so  as  upon  a  Just  occasion 
to  remove  them     I  am 

NcAv-hampshire       My  Lords  Yo'"  Lordships 

23  January  1682.  Most  humble  &  obedient  Servant 

Edw  Cranfield 

By  way  of  Maderas 

(Addressed)  To  the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Trade  and  plantations. 

(^Endorsed)  R.  (received)  10  May. 


KELATINTr   TO    XEW    HAMPSHIRE.  139 

NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  4S.     Pagks  492-3. 

From  M--  Cranfield  to  v*^  Comm*'^^« 

Boston  March  y''  27'^  1H83. 
Right  Hon''}? 

By  mine  of  the  20*''  February  Last  from  the  ProA-ince  of 
New  Hampshire,  I  humbly  represented  to  yoiu'  Lord"'*'  the 
occasion  progress  and  as  I  then  hoped  tlio  conchision  of  tlie 
Insurrection  made  by  Gouve  and  his  party.  But  1  have  since 
found  new  trouble  arising  for  soone  after  severall  persons  well 
wishers  to  Goves  proceedings  in  a  liiotous  manner  entered 
my  dwelling  house  and  remonstrated  against  severall  things 
directed  in  my  Commission  as  M'"  Randolph  who  was  present 
can  informe  }our  Lord^**  wherupon  finding  myselfe  very  uneasy 
and  not  seeing  where  these  matters  would  end  I  sent  Gone 
with  a  guard  to  Bo.ston  (4aole  to  be  shipt  of  for  England  and 
made  Cap*  Barefoot  my  Deputy  Gou^  during  my  absence-  and 
the  better  to  secure  the  peace  of  the  prouince  I  putt  out  of 
the  Councill  Maj^'  Walderne  W.  Martine  and  Cap'  Gilman 
greate  Sticklers  for  the  Boston  intrest         ^ 

^-  -•  ••       and  prefered  Cap''  ffryer  and  M'"  Elliot 

persons  of  good  Estate  to  that  Seruice  and  have  here  enclos- 
ed sent  your  Lordp"!  the  grounds  and  reasons  of  my  proceed- 
ings with  them. 

I  found  M'"  Moody  and  his  party  so  troublesome  that  I  be- 
Jieued  myselfe  unsafe  to  continue  longer  amongst  them  till  I 
had  the  continuance  of  a  ffrigott  and  fidl  instnictions  to  re- 
duce them  to  better  understanding. 

I  am  come  to  Boston  where  I  find  a  gi-eat  alteration  in  the 
mind's  and  conversation  of  the  ]3eople.  The  Generall  Court 
is  now  sitting  and  great  endeavours  are  used  by  the  flaction 
to  continue  the  Gouerm*.  in  their  hands  and  to  that  end  they 
have  summoned  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Colony  to  meete  in 
their  severall  Towns  on  the  13  instant  to  signe  a  Paper  (a 
true  copy  wherof  M'"  Rajidolph  is  ready  to  present  your 
LordP*")  They  reflected  upon  such  persons  who  refused  to 
sign  as  Ene-nies  to  their  Govm*.  However  upon  my  owne 
knowledge  the  most  Eminent  persons  for  Estate  and  some  of 


140  I'.AKLY    iXxniMENTS 

the  considerable  freemen  did  tottally  decline  to  sett  their 
liands  to  that  Address  and  after  all  endeauours  they  were  so 
putt  to  it  for  Subscriptions  that  they  Solicited  Strangers  and 
servant  Boyes  to  fill  n\)  their  Nundjer's.  The  settingafoot  this 
Address  hath  raised  sncli  anniniosetys  aniongs'  the  jHH)ple 
that  they  are  read}-  to  mutinye. 

This  weeke  I  had  an  o])portunity  to  conuerse  with  M"" 
Hincklye  Govern^"  and  M''  Lathrop  one  of  the  Magistrates  of 
New  Plymouth  Colony  I  find  them  weake  men  and  very  uufitt 
to  be  concerned  in  Goverm*.  Its  true  the  Inhal)itants  are 
generally  low  in  Estate.  But  much  more  unhappy  wanting 
men  of  ability  to  direct  the  affaii-es  of  that  Colony. 

I  shall  not  give  your  Lordi"*  any  further  trouble  referring 
your  LordP"  to  M'"  Randolph  Avho  has  made  it  his  sole  busi- 
ness to  inspect  and  understand  the  method's  and  proceedings 
of  the  severall  Colonys  and  is  able  to  give  your  Lord^""  a  full 
and  perfect  relation  of  the  present  distraction  which  hee  hath 
luckily  occassioned  in  this  Government. 

M""  Orchard  of  this  Towne  hath  attended  the  General  Court 
and  desired  to  make  out  the  matter  of  fact  laid  doAvne  in  his 
Petition  to  his  Maj'?;^  But  that  would  not  be  granted  hee 
pres*  me  therupon  to  take  the  Affidauits  of  his  Witnesses  But 
I  being  out  of  my  Gouerm*  refused  to  take  cognisence  of  it  so 
that  unless  he  would  bee  at  the  charge  to  cary  his  Witnesses 
to  England  he  is  att  present  in  no  probability  or  hopes  to 
recouer  his  cause  against  this  Countrey. 

I  lately  receiued  a  letter  from  the  Deputy  Gou'"  of  New 
Hampshire  mtimating  that  the  Councill  mett  up(m  tlie  17, 
instant  and  according  to  Instructions  prest  that  the  Keceiuers 
of  all  Publick  mont^v  Since  the  18  of  September  1679  should 
bring  in  their  seuerall  Accounts  to  be  Audited  by  M'^'  Blath- 
wayts  Deputy  which  they  (being  l)ackt  by  CapV  Yaughan  one 
of  the  Councill  refused  to  do  under  a  pretence  that  such 
moneys  was  raised  for  the  use  of  the  Towns,  and  not  for  the 
Sui)port  of  the  Gouerm*  which  indeed  was  a  trick  only  to 
diuert  and  auoid  the  discouerye  of  their  oppressions  and  in- 
direct disposing  tlierof.  They  also  refuse  to  pay  any  mony 
into  the  Publick  Treasury  but  take  upon  them  to  dispose  of 
itt  by  the  hands  of  their  Severall  Trustees,  and  not  by  my 


RELATING  TO  NEW  HAMPSHIRE  141 

Warrant  as  is  also  directed  in  tlie  Said  Instructions  which  I 
communicated  to  the  Assembly  to  the  intent  that  they  might 
also  examine  the  Accounts  of  moneys  etz"  raised  and  expend- 
ed in  the  Province  1  tinde  they  make  itt  their  whole  business 
to  Cauall  at  what  e\u>r  is  directed  in  his  Maj*''"''  Commissioii 
or  TnstriK'tioijs. 

My  Lords.  The  (jcnerall  Court  here  hath  been  sitting  this 
7  weekes,  the  Principal]  matter  that  hath  been  under  their 
consideration  is  whether  they  should  give  their  Agents  any 
further  instructicms  relating  to  the  Regulacon  of  their  Gou- 
ernm*  and  dehuer  up  the  Prouince  of  Maine  to  his  Maj''.''  and 
am  told  by  some  of  the  Deinitys  that  after  many  sharp  de- 
bates they  have  carried  itt  in  the  Affirmatiue,  which  though 
Looks  dutifull  yet  is  only  to  gaine  time  for  they  have  not  re- 
pealed any  one  law,  nor  past  one  Act  tending  to  his  Maj*'''^ 
Sattisfaction  so  that  without  compulsion  his  Maj''"  may  ex- 
pect no  due  obedience  to  his  lioyall  Commands,  whateuer  is 
pretended  to  the  contrary, 

I  am  My  Lords  Your  Lord''" 
Most  Hum'''*'  and  most  oV)edient  Seru* 

Edw.  Cranfield. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Pages  idi-'y 

(1682-3.     3Iarc/L) 
From  Cap*  Barefoot  to  y''  Coumi'' 
Right  Houn^'^i'^ 

It  haueing  pleased  y*^  houn'''^  Edward  Cranfield  Esq'"  Gouer- 
nor  of  this  his  Ma*''  Prouince  of  Ne^sv  Hami)shire  to  apoynt 
mee  his  Deputy  during  his  Absence  in  Visiting  the  Neigh- 
bouring Collonies  I  humbly  p'sume  to  lay  l)efore  Your  Lord- 
ships a  breife  State  of  y'  C(mdition  of  this  Province  wherein 
I  haue  binn  an  inhabitant  aboue  fine  and  tAventy  yearcs  dur- 
ing w'*^  time  I  have  not  onely  made  my  obseruation  u])on  y'' 


142  EAULY    DOCUMENTS 

liuniois  aiul  C'uiiiay;e  of  this  people  hut  l)v  the  ineaues  of  some 
of  my  ueare  relations  being  married  into  y'"  wealthiest  familyes 
in  this  Country  I  haue  bin  throughly  informed  of  the  intregies 
and  designes  of  the  faction  and  malignant  ]iarty  who  managed 
all  ])ublieke  affaires  here  whilest  this  prouinc-e  was  under  y'' 
Mashethusets  iurisdiction  and  very  unAvillingly  submitted  to 
a  Change  of  Gouernment  w'''  his  Maj*^  by  his  Eoyall  Com- 
mission hatli  established  and  although  the  Massatluisets  ex- 
ercise uoe  authority  in  this  prouince  yet  thay  inliuence  things 
as  they  please  there  being  a  strict  Confederation  betw(^en  y'" 
ministers  and  Church  Members  of  this  prouince  and  those  of 
y®  Massathusets  Collouy  who  Couerne  and  sway  y''  peo])le  jis 
they  })lease  noe  pope  euer  acted  w*^  greater  Arrogance  then 
these  preachers  Who  euflame  the  i)eoi)le  to  their  fantastick 
humors  and  debauch  them  from  theire  duty  and  obedience  to 
his  Majesty  and  his  Lawes  and  are  euer  stirring  them  xip  to 
disloyalty  and  iutermedliiig  in  all  Ciuill  affaires  and  Censiur- 
ing  all  persons  and  actions  that  agr-ee  not  with  theire  princi- 
ples &  peeuisli  humors  these  theire  ill  proceedings  haue  Giuen 
<)'■  houn''^^'^  Governor  nmch  troble  and  disquiet  in  his  Govern- 
ment they  intluensing  the  assembly  that  noe  good  bills  could 
pass  that  had  any  respect  for  his  Maj''*-^^  liouu^  and  dignity 
and  the  good  and  ease  of  his  Maj*^'-'^  subiects  So  that  the 
Governor  was  necessitated  to  dissolve  the  assembly  upon  w*'*' 
followed  an  insurrection  raised  by  one  of  the  cheefe  of  that 
assembly  which  if  by  the  prudence  and  vigiloncy  of  his  iKmu^" 
had  not  been  timely  suppressed  might  haue  been  of  dangerous 
Consequence  to  this  place  wherein  the  preachers  have  been  to 
liusv  and  unles  tlies  factious  teachers  are  turn'd  out  of  the 
prouince  there  Avill  be  disquiets  here  and  without  some  visible 
force  to  keepe  these  people  under  it  will  be  a  very  difficult  if 
not  an  impossible  thing  to  i)ut  in  Execution  his  Maj'"*'"  Com- 
mands or  y'  Lawes  of  trade  A:  navigation  which  b}'  the  Coun- 
tenance of  one  of  his  Maiestys  ships  in  this  port  would  easily 
be  effected  this  I  thought  .my  duty  to  lett  your  Lordships 
know  and  subscribe  myselfe     My  Lords, 

Y''  Most  bumble  and  faithfull  Seruant 
P'vince  of  New  Ham])shire.  Walter  Bahefoote 

this  March  1082  3 


KELATING   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIBE.  14:} 

(Addressed)  for  the  Eight  Hon--'''-^  The  Lords  of  liis  Mai''« 
priuy  Councell  apovuted  a  Connnittee  for  trade  and  tibreigu 
})lantations  At  Whitehall 

(Endorsed)  N.  Hampshire  March  1682-3  From  Cap*  Bare- 
foote  to  the  Comitee  Eee'^  y*"  9"'  June  1083  M'!  Randolph's 
Dep'  Gov'.'  the  Massuchnsets  Influence.  The  assembly  dis- 
olved  Goves  lusiurection 


NEW  HAMPSHIRi:  PAPERS.    Yoi..  48.     Pages  522-523. 

Lre  from  Ml'  Cranfield  to  y"  Comm"''*". 

Boston  June  the  19  1683 

Eight  Hon'-'" 

This  being  the  first  oppertunity  since  M'!  Eandolphs  De- 
parture I  thought  my  selfe  bound  in  Duty  to  send  duplicat^^ 
of  what  went  by  him,  I  am  sorry  that  I  cannot  giue  assurance 
of  my  abillety  to  serue  his  Maj"''  in  this  Station  Without  jjut- 
ting  liim  to  the  expence  of  a  ffrigott  att  Least  for  three  or 
fowre  months  while  the  people  of  New  Hampshire  are  reduced 
to  a  better  temper  I  haue  made  it  my  endeauours  to  quiett 
the  Spiritts  of  those  unmanagable  creaf:^  But  my  condicent"* 
are  rendered  ineffectual!  l)y  the  influence  of  Moody  their 
Teacher,  Waldrene  \-  three  or  foAvre  more  who  haue  Long 
had  the  Dominion  But  were  those  people  in  the  greatest 
Subjection  and  obedience  to  his  Maj*'*^  that  could  bee  expected, 
it  would  bee  absolutely  necessary  for  his  Maj*"'  to  haue  a 
ffrigott  upon  the  Coast  to  preuent  the  Irregulare  trade  which 
the  Bearer  hereof  M'"  Barnard  Eandolph  Deputy  Collect^  comes 
home  with  fi'esh  complaints  against  the  Boston  Goum*  of  some 
I  haue  beene  an  eye  Witness  off,  for  upon  a  trv^all  upon  the  8 
instant  with  a  Jersy  man  for  the  Breaches  of  the  Acts  of 
trade  wherin  hee  was  cast  the  Court  would  not  admitt  of  the 
14  of  the  Kinge,  Whereui)on  hee  appeald  to  the  King  and  the 
Lord's  of  his  Maj*''  Piiuy  Councell,  in  case  the  First  Verdict 
should  be  allowed  off.    But  the  Court  gaue  a  flatt  denyall  not- 


k4 


EARLY  DOCUMENTS 


■withst<andiiig  bee  oflered  Security  to  pay  cost  and  charges 
The}-  haue  in  another  case  denyed  ap})eales  to  his  Maj'"'  (lou'' 
Broadstret  did  this  day  thrust  Thaires  wiffe  out  of  liis  liouse 
and  used  her  ill,  l)ecause  shee  desired  him  to  signetie  to  the 
Towne  of  Brantree  that  they  were  to  send  oner  an  Authentick 
copy  of  the  ])eed  and  to  giue  notice  to  Sauage  and  C'hipp. 
Wliat  i)hiusible  and  fairt^  juoniises  of  Eeguhicon  their  Agents 
may  make  at  Whitehall  I  know  not  But  their  proceedings  and 
practices  here  are  meere  contradictions  eueu  of  their  owne 
Lawea,  where  it  does  not  answere  their  intrest,  I  was  so  chari- 
table to  belieue  since  they  past  an  act  in  the  Last  geuerall 
Court  for  regulating  of  trade  that  it  should  bee  punctually 
kept  it  being  obseniable  they  haue  a  greater  regard  to  their 
owne  Lawes  then  tlie  Acts  of  Parliment,  But  Mhen  I  came  to 
heare  the  tryall  I  was  so  deceiued  in  my  expectations  that  I 
found  Dantforth  the  Judge  and  most  of  the  Magistrates 
turned  Aduocates  against  the  King,  useing  such  slight  and 
saucy  expressions  as  are  not  fitt  to  rejieate,  I  could  say  much 
more  but  since  M'"  Barnard  Kaudolph  comes  home  shall  referr 
your  LordV**  to  him  for  a  further  relation  in  these  matters. 
When  the  Charter  shall  bee  made  void  it  will  bee  necessary 
to  desolue  their  University  of  Cambridge  for  from  thence  all 
the  seuerall  Colony's  in  New  England  are  sui)ph'ed  the  people 
Lookeing  upon  their  Teachers  little  Less  then  Apostles,  it  is 
incredible  what  an  influence  they  haue  ouer  the  Vulgar  and 
do  make  it  their  business  dayl}*  to  Excite  and  stirr  them  up  to 
Eebellion  being  jn-ofest  Enimies  to  the  Kings  Goum*-  and 
Church  it  is  to  bee  feared  this  people  will  neuer  bee  reclaimed 
untill  the  Uneuersety  of  England  supply  these  Colonys,  the 
not  nipping  Iheni  in  the  budd  may  proue  of  great  inconveni- 
ences ;  By  takeing  away  their  Uneversity  (which  wiU  also  be 
forfited  with  their  (Charter)  the  Effect  will  cease,  for  all  other 
waies  will  bee  ineffectuall  the  fountaine  being  impure. 

My  Lord's  I  shall  with  aU  humility  perseuere  and  waite 
while  I  heare  from  3'our  Lordi"*  But  as  things  are  circum- 
stanced I  am  capable  of  doeing  his  Maj"''  but  little  Seruice 
for  the  Bostoners  Principalis  in  matter  of  Goum*-  debauches 
all  the  Neighbouring  Colonys  I  presume  M\  Randolph  has 
before  this  fully  sattisfied   your   LordV^   therewith.     I   haue 


RELATING    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  145 

sent  another  exemplification  of  Goues  tryall  by  M'.'  Randolph's 
Bror :  who  lias  beene  so  ill  treated  in  the  Execiition  of  his 
place  that  hee  is  compelled  to  quitt  the  Kings  seruice.  What 
encouragement  their  Agents  haue  giuen  them  I  know  not  But 
the  flaction  are  more  insolent  then  they  were  before  the  Lon- 
don Ship  arriued.  But  hauing  writt  so  fully  in  my  former 
letters  both  concerning  this  Colony  and  New  Hampsh':  shall 
forbeare  to  inlarge  any  further 

Eight  Hon^i*'  I  am 
Your  Lord''**  most  humble  and  most  obedient  Seruant 

Edw  Crantield 
Lord's  Comiss*'^  for  trade 

(Addressed)  To  the  Right  Hon''^'  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Trade  and  foraigne  Plantations  Whitehall  read  17*'' 
August  88. 


NEW  HAMP.SHIRE  PAPEItS.     Vol.  4S.     Pagks  574-o. 

New  Hampshire  Novemb  the  16^^  168H. 

From   M""  Cranfield  to  y''  Comm''''"'^  touching  M''  Mason's  pro- 
ceedings &  desiring  leave  to  go  to  Barbados. 
May  it  please  yo^'  Lordps. 

By  M*"  Wharton  I  have  given  ycj""  Lonl])s  an  Account  of  all 
occurrences  to  that  time,  biit  since  y*^  Arrival  of  a  Ship  fi'om 
London,  who  brought  Newes  of  Goves  being  pardoned,  which 
has  had  an  ill  effect  among  these  Disingenious  People,  as  ap- 
peares  by  y"  prosecution  of  M'"  Masons  concernes  Avho  has 
waited  a  twelvemonth  av*''  patience  for  a  compliance  upon 
those  conditions  laid  downe  in  his  Ma'**  Royal  Comission, 
but  none  or  very  few  accepting  of  those  tearmes,  he  brought 
his  Actions  ag^'  most  of  the  Principals  &  obtained  Judgm' 
agst  Thirty  or  tfourty  of  them,  since  which  they  have  had 
several  Meetings  &:  consultations  &  their  result  is,  to  opp(we 
the   Provost   Marshal   or   such  others  as  shall  goe  about  to 


14:6  EAHLY    DOCUMENTS 

serve  the  Executions  on  them,  aiul  upon  the  Serving  of  one, 
opposition  Avas  made  by  the  People  in  the  house,  who 
tlireatned  to  kill  iV'  destioy  with  Gunpowder,  Scalding  water 
tV  red  hot  s])its  any  that  shoukl  endeavour  to  force  the  doores, 
so  the  Officers  were  forced  to  desist  from  Executing  the  Law 
at  that  time,  wherui)()n  M'"  Mason  desired  the  Posse  Comita- 
tus  but  I  thought  it  not  convenient,  fearing  it  might  bring 
blood  A'  confusion  among  us  being  incited  &  Stir'd  up  by 
M*"  Moody  Major  Waldron,  tt  Cap'  Vaughan,  the  last  of  whom 
I  have  turn'd  out  from  being  of  the  Councell  uj)on  his  inde- 
cent carriage  A'  dangerous  words  spoken  by  him  in  whose 
room  I  have  put  M";  Randalph,  Cai^*  Daniel  is  since  dead,  the 
Councell  now  consisting  but  of  Six,  it  who  to  recomeud  to  till 
that  vacancy  either  for  Loyalty  &  parts  I  cannot  tell.  I  j)re- 
sume  to  give  yo'"  Lordships  my  most  humble  thanks  for  yo'^' 
great  goodness  to  me  in  procuring  leave  of  his  Maj'^'  for  my 
going  this  winter  to  Barbados,  but  the  Season  contiiuiing  yet 
moderate,  shall  endeavour  to  attend  his  Maj*^  Service  in  this 
Province  having  no  more  to  trouble  Yo''  Lordships  with  only 
beg  leave  to  Subscribe  my  self. 

May  it  please  yo'"  Lordps 
.  Yo^"  Lordps  most  humble  and  most  obedient  Servant. 

Edw.  Cranfield. 

(Addressed)  ffor  the  liight  Hon^'l^  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
mittee for  Trade  &  fforraign  Plantations  in  Whitehall. 
Kec'^  29  Febrv     Read  11  June  84. 


NEW  HVMPSHIlil-:  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     P.\(ii;s  586-7. 

New  Hampshire,  January  l()*.l'  1G83.     From  M';  Cranfield  to 

y''  Connn''';  Touching  y''  Assembly. 
May  it  please  jif  Lordps. 

Since  my  last  to  yo'"  Lord])s.  Wy  the  ad  vice  of  the  Coun- 
cell, I  called  an  Asseml)ly,  which  convened  on  the  14"'  instant 
they  being  of  opinion  that  time  had  givtm  them  oppeiluiiity 


RELATING    TO    NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  147 

to  see  }•''  Errors  tt  Omissions  of  the  last  Assembl}',  but  instead 
of  finding  tlieni  answerable  to  Expectation  tliey  have  refused 
to  raise  any  niony  to  su])port  tlie  Hon''  of  his  Maj*^  Govemm* 
without  giving  any  reason  for  it  or  to  agree  to  any  lawes,  but 
what  were  re])Ugnant  to  the  laws  of  England,  wherupon  I 
disolved  them  without  having  one  bill  pass.  Nor  was  it  rea- 
senable  to  ex})ect  they  sliould  agree  to  any  being  under 
(Tuardianshij)  of  Moody  the  Minister  <Si  Coll  Waldron  (whose 
Son  was  Speaker  to  both  Assemblies)  and  all  declared  Emmies 
to  CUiurch  and  State  therfore  tis  no  wonder  that  both  Assem- 
blies have  been  so  backward  in  Supp(Mting  the  Hon''  of  his 
Maj'"'  Governm*  for  notwithstanding  the  ])lace  of  convention 
was  remote  from  their  habitations,  they  all  went  to  advise  <!v, 
consult  with  them,  they  absolutely  refused  to  pass  this  in- 
closed &  other  good  Bills.  The  experience  I  have  had  in 
this  small  Governm'  plaiidy  discovers  no  true  obedience  nor 
good  can  be  expected  upon  y"  Regulation  of  the  Massa- 
chusets  Colony,  if  the  Assembly  men  or  other  persons  in  pub- 
lick  trust  doe  consist  of  the  Congregated  Church  Members 
the  Ministers  giving  it  as  doctrine,  that  the  Oath  of  Supre- 
macy <t  all  other  Oaths  that  are  not  approved  of  by  the  Min- 
isters (t  Elders  of  their  Churches  are  unlawful  in  themselves, 
therfore  tis  my  humble  opinion,  that  it  will  be  absolutely 
necessary  to  admit  no  person  into  any  place  of  Trust,  but 
such  as  take  y'*  Sacrament  &  are  conformable  to  the  lUtes  of 
the  Church  of  England,  for  others  will  be  so  influenced  by 
their  Ministers,  as  well  obstruct  the  good  Settlement  of  this 
place,  S:  I  utterly  dis})air  (as  I  writt  in  my  former  to  yo'' 
Lordps)  of  any  true  duty  &  obedience  paid  t(J  his  Maj"  untill 
their  C'olledge  be  supjuest  and  their  Ministers  silenced,  for 
they  are  not  only  Enimies  to  his  Maj''^  A-  Government,  but 
Christ  himself,  for  of  all  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province 
being  about  ft'our  Thousand  in  nunibtr,  not  above  Three 
Hundred  C'hristned  by  reason  of  their  Parents  not  being 
Members  of  their  Church.  I  have  been  this  16  Months  per- 
sAvading  the  Ministers  to  admitt  all  to  the  Sacrament  i\:  13ap- 
tisme,  that  were  not  vitious  in  their  lives  but  could  not  pre- 
vaile  upon  them,  therfore  with  advice  of  the  C^ouncell  made 
this  inclosed  Order,     Notwithstanding  they  were  left  in  the 


148  EABLY   DOCUMENTS 

intire  ]>(>ssessi()ii  of  their  C'linrch(^s  tt  only  reqiiired  to  admin- 
ister both  Sacraments,  aeeording'  to  the  Lit\irf>;ie  of  y^  Chureh 
of  Eughmd,  to  sueh  as  desired  them,  Avliich  they  refuse  to 
doe,  t^'  will  understand  Liberty  of  C'onscienee  <j;iven  in  his 
Maj*''  Connnissicm,  not  only  to  exenii)t  them  from  givin<^  the 
Saeiament  accordinj^;  to  the  liook  of  ("omoji  Prayer  but  make 
all  the  Inhabitants  eontribute  to  their  Maintenance,  altliou<j;h 
they  refuse  to  give  them  the  Sucrament  Si  Christen  their  Chil- 
dren, if  it  be  not  absohitely  enjoyned  here,  A'  in  other  colonies, 
that  l)oth  Sacraments  be  administered  to  all  persons  that 
are  duly  qualified,  according  t(j  the  form  of  the  Comon  Prayer 
there  Avill  be  perpetual  dissentious,  &  a  totall  decay  of  the 
Christian  lleligion. 

]\P'  Wyer  one  of  the  former  Assembly  went  awa}'  privately 
from  hence  for  England,  having  first  collected  a  Sum  of  mony 
to  carry  on  his  own  ct  Parties  c(^ncerns  there  against  M'" 
Mason,  <S:  I  doe  not  at  all  ■\\'onder  they  should  imploy  him 
as  being  not  only  a  violent  man  against  M^"  Masons  interest, 
but  one  with  several  others  that  were  privy  to  the  Treason  of 
Gove,  but  were  too  powerfull  for  me  to  cope  with  here,  unless 
I  had  had  Strength  to  countenance  my  proceedings.  As  for 
M'"  "W^er  I  think  the  inclosed  Afltadavits  will  sufficiently 
make  out  his  knowledge  of  the  Conspiracy.  There  are 
Several  other  ali'adavits  to  nnike  out,  that  Mood}'  the  Minis- 
ter, Cap'  Vaughau  <S:  Martin  were  in  Goves  design,  but  none 
but  Wyer  coming  for  England  I  did  not  conceiv  it  necessary 
to  trouble  yo'"  Lordi)s  with  those  that  concernes  Moody, 
Yaughan,  &  Martin,  but  the  matter  that  is  sworne  against 
them  is  this.  That  two  days  before  Goves  being  in  Amies,  he 
had  been  with  them  tV  communicated  his  designe  of  taking  the 
Governm*  cmt  of  my  hands  tt  to  kill  myselfe,  M'"  Mason  A- 
his  two  Sons,  Cap'  Barefoot,  M''  Chamberlain  <k  all  the  other 
Rogues  (as  he  term'd  them)  that  were  of  the  Church  of 
England,  and  that  he  had  assurance  from  all  the  Towns,  that 
there  would  not  be  above  16  or  17  men  that  would  not  stand  by 
him,  <t  they  would  not  meddle  on  any  side  whereupon  Gove 
s.ud  they  rejoyced  at  the  good  newes,  as  if  they  had  been  men 
risen  from  the  dead.  If  Gove  be  examined  upon  this.  A'  his 
consultation  with  Wyer,  hewill  ctmtirme  these  words  that  he 


RELATING   TO   NEW  HAMPSHIRE.  149 

declared  at  Dover,  After  this  Cap^  Vaughaii  took  him  home 
to  his  house,  where  he  lodged  the  night  before  he  was  iu 
Arms,  for  this  reascm  and  making  reflections  upon  his  Maj*^ 
&  Councill  for  bringing  the  (^no  AVarranto  ags'.  the  Bostoners 
tt  saying  puhlickly  in  Councill,  thas  they  had  not  deserved 
such  a  severe  prosecution,  &  opposing  all  good  Orders,  that 
were  for  his  Maj**^  honour  I  thought  fitt  to  dismiss  him  the 
Councill. 

When  this  Government  was  in  the  hands  of  Coll  Waldnni, 
M'"  Wyer  was  one  then  in  nomination  to  yo''  Lordps,  <fe  reco- 
mended  by  him  to  supply  a  vacancy  of  the  Councill,  he  being 
a  violent  &  Zealous  nuin  of  their  Party,  therfore  looked  upon 
by  them  the  fittest  percon  to  be  sent  over  to  make  some 
plausible  complaints  to  yo''  Lordps  about  the  prosecution  of 
M'"  Masons  Title,  whatever  he  may  pretend  these  inclosed 
Papers  will  slunv  M':  Masons  patience  &  forbearence  before 
he  began  a  Suit  with  any  of  them,  &  the  cautiousness  of  the 
Courts  proceedings.  Twas  twelve  months  before  any  Suit 
was  commenced  A:  after  Judgment  obtained,  (as  will  appear 
by  this  inclosed  Declaration)  finding  they  did  not  appeale 
he  put  it  to  their  clioise,  either  to  have  a  hearing  before  his 
Maj'^>'  &  Yo*"  Lordps  or  come  to  a  new  Tryal  in  any  of  his 
Maj**'  Courts  in  Westminister  Hall,  which  they  declined,  S:  by 
the  advice  of  Moody  &  the  fiaction  of  Boston  (who  have  gott 
possession  of  a  good  pai-t  of  this  Province)  have  taken  other 
measures,  then  what  his  Maj'''  Eoyal  Commission  doth  direct. 
I  doul)t  not  but  these  inclosed  Papers  will  satisfie  yo'"  Lordi)S 
that  the  Judical  proceedings  had  in  M'"  Masons  case,  are  no 
more  to  be  excepted  ag''*  then  his  Title.  I  know  not  what 
Representations  M''  Wyre  may  make,  but  it  is  my  hapj^iness, 
A'  all  those  that  serve  his  Maj*''  under  me,  to  stand  and  fall  by 
yo*'  Lordps  Justice  and  ffavour. 

I  have  received  his  Maj*"  Letter  to  pardon  those  that 
Judgment  was  respited  ag"*  and  accordingly  I  have  ])ardoned 
all  but  young  Gove,  and  one  of  Wadleighs  Sons  who  have 
carried  themselves  very  indecently,  as  indeed  has  the  whole 
Province,  which  is  demonstrable  by  their  choosing  the  same 
Assenil>ly  it  going  on  in  their  old  methods,  these  two  I  keep 
in  Prison  to  terrific  the  rest,  for  I  find  all  favour  «t  clemency 


150  K.\i!T>Y  iiocrMEvrs 

shoAvecl    to  these  (lisinjjjeiiions  People,  is  abused  uiid  ill  use 
made  of  it. 

I  have  been  so  full  in  other  matters  in  my  forniev  Letters, 
that  I  shall  not  trouble  yo''  Lordps  further  at  present  only 
acquaint  Yo''  Lordj)s  that  it  is  a  good  ()})portunity  for  the 
sending  of  Ministers  for  the  four  Towues,  av"'  an  Order,  that 
the  Inhabitants  shall  pay  what  they  paid  to  their  other  Min- 
isters, who  have  left  their  Benefices,  because  tliey  will  nc^t 
give  to  any  the  Sacrament  &  Baptisme  according  to  the  pre- 
scribed forme  of  the  Book  of  Comon  Prayer,  and  for  their 
Encouragement  some  Si)iritual  promotion  may  be  kept  in 
Commendam,  that  after  two  or  three  years  they  may  be 
releived,  All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted  to  yo*"  Lordps 
wisedomes  by  May  it  please  yo""  Lordps 

Yo'  Lordps  most  Immble  and  obedient  Seniant 

Eew.  Cranfield. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Right  Hon^''*'  the  L(jrds  tlie  Committee 
for  Trade  &c. 

(Endorsed)  ReC?  May  18 :  81     Read  11  June  84  cVc. 


NEW  HAMI'SHIIIE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

Boston  June  19'^  1683. 

Right  Hon^.'r 

My  Last  Letter  unto  your  Hon':  was  by  M"^  Randolph  Since 
whose  Departure  I  have  spent  my  time  in  the  Colony  on  pur- 
pose to  pry  into  the  intregues  and  politicks  of  the  Goum*  the 
better  to  enable  me  to  saue  his  Maj''''  by  glueing  an  account 
of  the  disposition  and  carriage  of  the  people  among  other 
things  I  haue  obserued,  That  there  can  be  no  greater  evill 
attend  his  Maj*''^^  affairs  here,  then  those  pernicious  and  Re- 
belUous  principles  which  Hows  from  their  Collige  at  Cam- 
bridge which  they  call  their  P^niuersity  from  whence  all  the 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  151 

Townes  both  in  this  and  the  otlier  C()h)UYs  are  suj^plyed  with 
ffactious  and  Seditious  Preachers  Avho  stirr  up  the  i^eople  to 
a  disKke  of  his  Maj"''  and  his  Gouiu^  and  the  KeUgion  of  the 
C'hurch  of  Eny;hind  terming  the  Liturgy  of  our  Church  a  pre- 
cident  of  Superstition  and  ])icked  out  of  the  Popish  Dunghill 
so  tliat  I  am  humbly  of  opinion  this  Country  cau  neuer  bee 
well  settled  or  the  people  Ijecome  good  Subjects,  till  their 
Preachers  bee  reformed  and  that  Colledge  suppressed  and  tlie 
severall  Churches  supplyed  with  Learned  and  Orthodox  Min- 
isters from  England  as  all  other  his  Maj*'*^  Dominions  in 
America  are. 

The  Country  growes  very  populous  and  if  Longer  left 
ungoverned  or  in  that  manner  as  now  they  aie  I  feare  it  may 
bee  of  dangerous  consequence  to  his  Ma]*!'  concerns,  in  this 
Part  of  the  World.  What  incouragement  thei]"  Agents  have 
had  in  England  I  know  not  but  since  the  arrivall  of  the  Last 
Ship  from  London  these  disloyall  Magistrates  are  growne 
more  insolent  then  before  in  al)useing  his  Maj'^'  Officers  in  the 
Execution  of  their  Office  and  no  Justice  can  bee  had  of  them 
the  Judges  and  Magistrates  openly  upon  the  Bench  being 
Advocates  against  the  King  and*lenying  appeales  to  his  MaJ'"'' 
So  that  M^"  Bandolphs  Bro*"  who  was  left  liere  his  Deputy  not 
being  able  to  serue  his  Maj'"''  (as  things  now  are  managed 
here,  being  dayly  affronted  and  abused  as  I  have  been  an 
Eye  Wittness  off.)  goes  to  England  to  make  his  complaints  to 
your  Hon(V!  and  L(n'd's  of  the  Treasury. 

If  the  Boston  Charter  were  made  void  and  the  Cheif  of  the 
ffaction  called  to  answer  in  their  owne  persons  for  their  misde- 
menors  and  their  Teachers  restrained  from  Seditious  jjreach- 
ing  it  Avould  give  great  encouragemejit  to  the  Loyall  Party,  to 
shew  themselues,  who  haue  hetherto  beene  kept  under  and 
greatly  oppressed  and  from  all  places  of  proffitt  and  trust. 

Your  Hon^:  may  he  assured  of  this  that  if  there  Agents  in 
Eng'.Miad  power  giuen  them  to  agree  to  such  regulacons  as 
his  Maj"*"  should  think  fitt,  ^^et  such  is  the  insincerity  of  those 
now  in  poAver  that  they  would  neuer  keepe  ffaith  with  his 
Maj*?"'  as  is  demonstrable  by  the  proceedings  in  the  Law  they 
made  in  ffcburarv  last  for  the  obseruation  of  Trade  and  Naui- 
gation   and  doe  now  openly  act  against  it,  I  doul)t  not  but 


152  EARLY  DOCUMENTS 

your  HoiiV  liatli  lieen  fully  informed  of  these  matters  by  ]NP 
Rantlol})li  but  myselfe  haueiug  beeiie  AVittness  of  these  things 
I  thought  it  my  duty  to  giue  your  Hon^  an  ace*  thereof. 

I  am  this  day  returning  to  the  Piouince  of  NeAv  Hampshire 
haueing  finished  the  dispatches  that  goes  by  this  ship,  the 
people  in  that  Prouinee  still  continue  in  a  Stubbm*ne  humour 
being  intiuenced  from  hence,  Upon  the  appearing  of  a  ffrigott 
in  their  Port  they  may  be  brought  into  a  Better  temper 
though  it  should  stay  but  a  Short  time  they  liauing  a  notion 
that  his  Maj*"'  Avill  be  at  no  such  expence  which  makes  them 
so  turbulent. 

I  humbly  pray  your  Honl'  to  procure  an  order  that  I  may 
haue  Leaue  to  goe  for  England  or  to  some  other  of  his  Maj'-' 
plantations  to  stay  for  three  or  foure  months  if  I  find  my  self 
indisposed  the  next  winter  through  the  Sharpness  of  the 
Weather  haueing  some  indisj^osition  by  the  reason  of  the  last 
Winter  this  cold  climate  not  agreeing  with  my  thinn  conste- 
tution  which  will  be  a  greate  addition  to  your  former  fauours 
and  shall  euer  bee  acknowledged  by. 

Your  Hon'''  most  hunil)le  and  most 

ol)edient  Seruant 
S^  Ly  Jenkins  '  Edw.  Cranfield. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Eight  Hon^'''^'  S':  Lyonell  Jenkinns  his 
MajtA^  Princip^  Scry  of  State  Whitehall. 

(Endorsed)  M":  Cranfield  fi-om  Boston  m^  June  1683.  to 
M^  Sec^-y  Jenkins     Bead  to  y^  Lords  17"'  August  1683. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  47. 

Portsmouth  in  New  England  ffebruary  the  20*.!'  1683. 

Right  Hon''i« 

I  send  your  Hon'!  upon  the  Ship  Eichard  of  Boston  under 
M'!  Randolphs  care  Edwin  Gone  an  Assembly  man  who  serued 


liELATING    TO   NEW    HAMPSHIRE.  153 

for  the  Towue  of  Hiiiii])ton  One  whom  this  Coiintrey  has  con- 
demned to  d3'e  for  raiseing  a  Eebellion  in  this  Proniuce  as 
appears  by  tlie  Account  of  his  Tryall,  signed  by  Maj'"  Wal- 
derne  then  Jndge  of  the  Court.  I  intended  his  Execution 
upon  the  place  for  terrour  to  the  whole  ]^arty  who  are  still 
mutinous  if  my  Commission  would  have  warranted  it  besides 
him  nine  other  i)ersons  were  taken,  and  upon  tryall  were  con- 
uict.  But  their  condemnation  is  respited  haueing  taken  suf- 
ficient security  for  their  appearence  their  being  no  Goal  in 
the  Proiunce  fitt  to  secure  them  till  his  Maj*:'  pleasure  bee 
knowne  therein.  And  as  to  Gone  I  cannot  with  safety  to  my- 
selfe  or  the  peace  of  the  Country  keep  him  longer  in  Custody 
for  besides  the  greate  and  dayly  charge  of  Guard's  upon  him, 
I  haue  cause  to  feare  the  Souldiers  in  time  may  bee  remiss  or 
outirpowered  and  so  Gone  sett  att  Liberty  Besides  by  my 
Commission  I  am  directed  to  send  Eebells  to  England,  where 
if  Gone  Escape  the  Sentence  of  the  Law  there  is  an  end  of 
his  Maj*'  business  in  New  England. 

I  was  soone  made  sensible  the  Lark  ffrigott  which  brought 
me  oner  to  this  Prouince  was  gon  to  Sea,  for  att  the  second 
meeting  of  the  Assembly  in  January  Last  they  begann  to  dis- 
]nite  my  Commission  and  power,  I  Recomended  to  them 
seuerall  good  bills  agreed  up(m  first  by  their  Councill  but  in- 
stead of  passing  them,  they  ottered  bills  repugnant  to  the 
Laws  of  England  which  I  rejected  Sc  finding  them  tryfling 
awav  the  time  in  makeiug  of  partys,  I  was  necessitated  to  de- 
solue  them. 

I  took  a  Journey  to  Boston  and  other  places  in  that  Colony 
makeiug  it  my  business  to  feele  their  temper,  I  found 
amongst  them  a  preuailing  faction  against  his  Maj*!"  Interest 
whateuer  for  present  turne  may  bee  pretended  and  upon  good 
ground's  belieue  that  should  his  Pioyall  Highness  suniieve 
his  Maj''*'  Such  is  their  Generall  Auersiou  incouraged  and 
buoyed  up  by  the  Nonconform**.'  Party  in  England  that  at 
once  they  will  fall  off  from  their  Allegiance  to  the  Crowne  it 
is  therfore  uery  necessary  that  the  whole  Country'  be  brought 
to  a  through  Regulation  being  allarmed  by  the  Quo  Warr*" 
brought  against  their  Charter,  Its  also  equally  necessary  that 
his  Maj*.''^  Send  a  ffrigott,  to  attend  till  such  a  Regnlation  bee 


154  KAULY    ]>()(:L'MENTS 

c*()U]])leato(l  bv  puttinjj;  the  Gouin'  togt'thcr  Avitli  the  Mihtia, 
Castles  and  iforts  into  hf.mls  of  Loyall  and  Honest  Gent"  and 
the  ffaction  made  inoajJaHe  euer  after  of  alterinj:;  or  Disturb- 
inp;  that  Gonni* 

I  heare  its  designed  to  petition  his  Maj*'*' for  Gones  life  and 
that  to  bee  nnmaged  by  the  messenp;'''  from  Boston,  if  so 
t'will  further  a])])eare  to  me  that  Gone  had  ineoiiragement  from 
thence,  haueing  beene  jnst  before  the  Session  of  our  Assem- 
l)ly  att  Boston,  and  I  cannot  but  obserue  to  your  Hon*"  that 
Maj'"  Pike  one  of  the  Majistrates  and  of  the  ffaction  in  Bos- 
ton Cioiim*  came  to  me  the  night  before  Goues  try  all,  with 
senerall  Depositions  to  Certefie  that  Gone  Avas  a  distracted 
man  hopeingby  that  means  to  auoid  his  prosecution. 

The  Ministers  in  New  England  are  generally  more  absolute 
and  independent  in  Practize  then  in  theii-  Principalis  they 
intermedle  in  all  matters  of  Goum*.  The  People  are  stirred 
up  and  composed  'according  as  they  are  influenced  by  the 
Teachers.  I  found  some  of  them  scrui)ling  to  ]ireach  upon 
the  30 :  January  which  by  Proclamation  I  haue  ordered  An- 
nually to  bee  obserued  in  this  Collony.  I  did  also  propose  to 
the  Ministers  as  an  Essential!  part  of  their  Office  the  Bap- 
tizing of  Children  and  administering  the  Sacrament  Avhich 
Gone  att  his  Tryall  did  object  against  as  a  high  crime  and 
innouation,  I  am  forced  to  keepe  the  Militia  in  Arms  till 
Gone  bee  Shipt  off,  and  shall  endeauour  to  keepe  his  Maj*"" 
Peace,  Biit  I  make  it  my  humble  request  to  his  Maj*'*'  that 
M^  Piandolph  who  understands  well  his  Maj'-''  interest,  and 
the  humour  of  the  People  and  hath  beene  usefull  to  me  since 
my  arriuall  may  bee  dispatcht  back  hither  with  full  instruc- 
tions and  the  countenance  of  a  ffrigott,  to  attend  orders 
otherwise  I  can  promise  to  his  Maj^'*'  but  little  Success  in  tlu' 
matters  I  haue  in  charge. 

M'."  Ptandol])h  hath  been  uery  Diligent  and  made  live 
Jouriiv's  in  the  Exstremety  of  weather  fi-oni  Bostcm  aboue  70 
miles  distance  from  hence,  and  now  being  order'd  to  attend 
att  AVhitehall,  takes  upon  him  the  trouble  and  charge  of 
Goues  transport,  whicli  I  could  by  no  means  ])ropose  to  bee 
aduanced  to  him,  out  of  the  Stock  of  this  Prouince  in  regard 
of  the  exstry ordinary  expence  occasioned  to  the  inhal.)itant.T 


KEIATING    TO    NEW    HAMSrHIllE.  loO 

by  Gmies  insurcction  Neitlier  shall  I  adventure  to  call  an- 
other Assembly  till  I  heare  etiectuall}'  from  England.  I  tlier- 
fore  intreat  that  the  charges  of  Goues  passage  of  others  that 
attend  him  may  bee  allo^ved  to  M''  Eandolph  haneing  passed 
my  word  that  the  Master,  shall  be  paid  att  his  arriuall  in 
England  with  the  presentment  of  my  most  humble  duty, 
I  am  E'  Hon^i^- 

Your  Most  humble  and  obedient  Seruant 

Edw.  Cranfield 

(Addressed)   To  the  Eight  Hon^.^'^S^;  Lyonell  Jenkins  His 
Maj^'*"  Principall  Seer  of  State. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPERS.     Vol.  48.     Pages  608-9. 

From  M''  Cranfield  to  y*-  Comm*fr 

New  Hampshire  14"'  May  KKS^. 
May  it  Please  yo^'  Ldsh''i'\ 

Since  my  last  to  yo*'  Lodslii'i'"  l)y  way  of  Barbados  the 
Indians  to  the  Eastward  in  the  Prouince  of  Mayne  haue  bin 
uery  disorderly  and  giuen  out  threatning  Speeches  that  they 
intend  to  kill  the  English  and  burn  their  houses  w'''  occas- 
si(med  great  feares  in  Our  and  the  Neighl)()uring  CV)lv)nys  that 
they  would  make  a  AVarr  upon  us  and  them  again  as  will  ap- 
pear by  these  inclosed  Letters.  Whereupon  I  writt  to  the  Gou- 
ernors  of  the  Seyerall  Colony s  to  desire  them  that  they 
would  send  to  the  principal  Leaders  of  the  Indians  w'^  are 
called  Sagamores  to  know  the  reason  of  their  giuing  out  such 
threatning  speeches-  and  Avithall  to  desire  them  that  if 
the  English  had  done  them  any  wrong  they  should  giue  y'" 
all  due  Sattisfaction  and  to  use  all  possible  wayes  to  proserue 
Amity  and  peace  w*^  them  w''  I  hope  hath  bin  done  in  the 
other  Colonys  as  well  as  our  own  for  we  haue  a  right  and 
good  understanding  w^'^the  Indians  inhabiting  amoung  us. 
Notwithstanding  w"^'^  the  Gouerment  of  the  Massatheusetts 
and  myselfe  and  Councell  did  think  titt  to  Solicitt  Coll  Dun- 


156  EAKI.Y    1)0C;UMENTS 

gan  for  tlie  aasistauce  of  the  Moquans  and  some  of  the 
Siitherue  Indians  (they  being  best  aeciuainted  w^''  their  sculk- 
ing  way  of  lighting  and  always  hauing  AVar  w"'  them)  in  case 
of  a  War  M*"  Dudley  and  M''  Slirinipton  beiug  sent  by  the 
Boston""*  I  went  my  selfe  to  Solicitt  that  affaire  where  I  found 
a  ready  complyance  fnnn  Coll  Dungan  to  what  was  dissired 
in  order  to  the  i)reseruation  of  his  Maj*^  Subiects  in  case  they 
fall  upon  us,  but  I  hope  all  Mill  blow  ouer  and  a  ])eace  con- 
tinue, and  altlio  it  belioues  all  the  Colony s  to  dissire  peace, 
yet  more  concernes  us  to  pray  for  it  not  liauing  two  pence  in 
the  Treasury  nor  one  farthing  giuen  since  my  arriuall  notwith- 
standing I  haue  earnestly  prcst  it  in  tAvo  Assemblys  th^it  the 
Honor  of  His  Ma**"  Gouerment  might  be  Supported  but  by  the 
influence  of  M'"  Moody  Yaughan  Waldron  and  Elliott  Avliome 
I  lately  recomended  to  yo'"  Ldsh''!""  as  a  titt  person  to  Serue 
his  Ma*'*'  but  was  much  mistaken  as  I  was  of  some  others 
whose  outside  I  only  saw  Avlien  I  lirst  came  here  itt  being 
their  way  to  use  arts  to  insinuate  themselues  only  to  gett  a 
better  oppertunity  to  discompose  his  Ma*^'  Seruice  therfore 
was  necessitated  to  suspend  him  Avhilst  yo'"  Ldshi'i'"  pleasure 
is  known  in  itt  he  not  only  discouering  the  Secrets  of  the 
Council  but  disturbing  the  proceedings  thereof  especially  in 
matters  of  Nauigati(m  he  being  a  gi-eat  owner  of  Shipps. 
These  reasons  w'^  the  Aduice  of  the  Councell  necessitated  me 
to  suspend  him,  and  doe  recomend  to  yo*"  Ldshi'''!'  for  confir- 
mation MV  Francis  Champernoon  and  M'"  James  Sherlock  M'' 
fryer  being  gone  to  line  in  the  other  Prouince  the  number 
doth  not  exceed  Seuen. 

May  itt  Please,  yo'"  Ldshi'i'"*  I  haue  in  my  last  bin  soe  large 
t<mching  the  misdemeanors  of  the  Ministers  and  their  ad- 
hearents  that  I  shall  forbeare  adding  much  (ni  that  subject. 

But  cannot  omitt  giuiug  yo'"  Ldsli''!"*  an  accompt  of  what  an 
insolent  speech  was  made  by  M*"  Mather  the  Minister  of  the 
North  Church  in  Boston  and  M'i  Nowell  one  of  the  Magistrates 
against  his  Ma*'''  Graciouse  Declaraiou  sent  here  concerning 
th(>  Co  Warranto  att  a  Towno  meeting  telling  the  ])eople  that 
their  Inheritence  that  God  had  giuen  them  was  like  to  be 
taken  away  as  Naboth  Yiniaid  was,  and  excited  them  to  take 
arms  to  defend  itt  ])utting  tliem  in  mind  that  Dauid  chose 


RELATING  TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  157 

when  lie  bad  Sinned  rather  to  fall  in  the  hands  of  God  then 
man.  Also  tluit  a  Minister  neare  Boston  on  the  20"'  of  the 
last  month  in  the  afteruoone  declared  that  Hugh  Peeters  was 
unlawfully  i)utt  to  death  and  died  a  Martyr  the  same  Spiritt 
remayning  amongst  the  People  of  our  Prouince  there  Ijeing 
latel}'  affidauits  of  Sjieeches  that  are  giuen  out,  that  the 
King  knows  nothing  of  M'"  Masons  and  m}'  coming  hither, 
but  were  sent  by  the  Duke  of  Yorke  and  called  M''  Mason 
and  rnyselfe  Doggs  and  Eouges  for  acting  by  such  a  power. 
Such  uirulent  and  malicious  Speeches  of  the  Ministers  poyson 
the  Ignorant  people  and  Avhile  they  are  suifred  to  preach  no 
true  Alleigiance  will  be  found  in  these  parts. 

May  itt  please  yo^'  Ldshi'i'!"  M''  Randolphs  Brother  whom 
he  left  his  Deputy  is  dead  great  quautitjs  of  Canary  Wine 
and  french  comoditys  being  more  pleutifuU  in  Boston  then 
euer  as  obserued  by  rnyselfe  in  m}'  returne  from  New  Yorke 
itt  is  aboslutely  necessary  for  his  Ma*""  seruice  to  haue  that 
vacancy  Supplyed. 

May  itt  Please  yo^'  Ldsh^'i'^  itt  is  my  humble  opinion  that 
the  Church  of  England  be  Established  and  these  Silenced 
and  the  mayntenance  upon  the  regulation  both  of  Officers  and 
Ministers,  wholy  to  depend  upon  his  Ma*'''  which  can  be  no 
better  wayes  done,  without  burthening  the  Crowne  then  by 
contineuing  the  Taxes  Customs  Excise  and  other  Impositions 
W^  they  haue  made. 

I  doe  confidently  assure  yo''  Ldshi'i'f  itt  will  lie  a  worke  of 
gi-eat  tyme  before  they  be  brought  to  it  by  Assemblys  there 
is  such  a  canker  amoungst  the  generality  of  the  people. 
These  considerations  I  must  referr  to  yo^'  Ldshi'i'.*'  wisdome 
and  wholy  thro  my  Selfe  att  yo*'  feet  for  yo^"  pardon  for  all 
presumtions  itt  proceedings  from  a  Sincere  hart  to  his  Ma** 
Seauice  and  my  Duty  to  yo^"  Ldshi'il'*  soe  beg  leaue  to  Sub- 
scribe my  Selfe   '  May  it  Please  yo^'  Lordshipps 

Yo^"  Ldslii'i""  most  huml)le  and  obedient  Seruant 

Edw.  Cranfield. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Eight  Hon'''*'  the  Lords  of  the  Commit- 
tee for  Trade  and  foreign  Plantations,  Att  Whitehall. 

Kec'^  ye  13  Aug  84  Read  29  Nov.  84  &c. 


ir)8  KAKLY    DOCIMKNTS 

NEW  HAIMPSHIUE  PAPERS.     Vol.  4S.     P.^ws  (510-11. 

Liv  tVoin  M'.'  Craiitielcl  to  S'.  Lccliii  Jenkins. 

New  Hsunpshire  14^''  May  1684. 

May  it  Please  yo''  Hon'." 

I  bane  receiiied  yo'"  Hoii'!"  Packet,  w'''  the  Drauglit  of  the 
Jannica  Act  for  the  restramiug  of  Pivats  and  Priuateers 
these  and  all  otiier  his  Ma""  lioyall  Commands,  shall  be  care- 
fully obserued  on  my  ])art :  Piracy  is  a  crime  so  odionse  that 
the  offenders  are  not  to  be  admitted  to  the  benefit  of  their 
Cler<>v,  and  \vher«»  it  is  attended  w";^  murder  its  most  detes- 
tal)le  and  oui^ht  to  haue  the  greatest  punishment  inflicted. 
I  wish  some  in  Boston  that  are  in  Authority  haue  not  to 
much  ouerlookt  the  Punishment  of  diuers  Priuateers  who 
haue  lately  frequented  that  Port  are  Suspected  to  be  guilty 
of  both,  for  I  haue  bin  told,  the  Priuateer  that  made  Depre- 
dation upon  the  Spaniards  at  Lauerdecreuz  were  so  cruell 
and  Barberouse  to  seueiall  AVomen  and  Inocent  Children,  as 
to  put  them  upon  an  Island  where  they  left  them  Starue  be- 
cause their  Husbands  and  fathers  would  not  ransome  them, 
who  indeed  were  not  able  of  w''  they  boasted  and  gloryed  at 
Boston  as  I  was  informed  by  M'!  Stephen  Wesendouke  a 
Wine  Cooper  who  told  me  he  heard  Seuerall  Priuateers  i)ub- 
lickly  discourse  of  their  Aduentures  and  manner  of  cruelty es 
done  to  the  Si)auiard  lately. 

The  inclosed  (to  the  Right  Hon'''''  the  Lords  of  the  Com- 
mittee) is  an  accompt  of  what  hath  [)assed  since  my  last; 
under  yo'"  Honors  couer  by  way  of  Barbados  the  Ship  being 
said  to  be  ready  to  saile  from  Boston  haue  not  tyme  to  en- 
large onl}'  to  let  yo'"  Hon'"  know  it  is  reported  here  that  M'" 
])adley  M'"  Browne  and  M'."  (lidney  late  Magistrates  are  left 
out  this  last  Election  for  their  being  Loyaler  than  the  rest, 
and  M''  Stoughton  and  Maj'"  Saltistonc^  refused  to  act  notwith- 
standing they  were  chosen. 

I  am  in  all  duty  Yo'"  Hon'"'' 
Most  olxulient  and  most  hundjle  Seruant 

El)W.    ClJANFIEI.D. 


RELATING    TO  NEW   H-\MPSHIRE.  159 

Unless  yo'^  Hon"'  faiioiir  and  the  Lords  of  the  C!oniniittee  is 
ShoAvne  to  me  in  some  other  Imployment  I  am  absohitety 
ruin'd  for  in  the  discharge  of  my  Duty  in  this  Gonrmen*  I 
haue  expended  all  the  money  I  sould  my  place  for  att  White- 
hall, which  is  all  that  I  had  in  the  World. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Eight  Hon^''^'  S^' Lionel  Jenkins  one  of 
His  Ma*-''  Principall  Secretaryes  of  State.  At  Whitehall. 

E.  12  Augt-    Presented  30  Sept. :  84. 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  PAPEES.     Vol.  48.     Pages  640-41. 

From  M^:  Cranfield  to  ye  Comm*'^*' 

New  Hampshire  Jan^'>'  6*^  1684. 

May  itt  please  yo"^  Ldshi!^ 

Since  my  last  to  yo'  Ldsh^'^  here  are  higher  and  greater 
comotions  and  disturbacces  comitted  in  this  Prouince  and 
greater  insolency's  and  affronts  Offered  to  my  Selfe  and  His 
Ma**  Officers  then  euer  hath  .been  since  my  coming  to  the 
Gouerm*  as  will  appear  by  the  inclosed  affidauits.  And  haue 
bin  stiri-ed  up  by  Letters  from  NathanieU  Wear  and  im- 
proued  here  b}'  Waldron,  Oilman,  and  Vaughan  who  is 
lately  gone  for  England  to  make  further  complaints  a  Councel 
hauiug  been  frequently  held  by  some  of  the  aboue  named 
persons  att  Major  Pikes  A  Magistrate  of  the  Massatlmsetts 
Colony  bordering  upon  this  Prouince  to  w'^'^^  place  all  the 
illmen  dayly  resort  for  aduice  from  hence  many  of  the  Towne 
(if  HcDiipfov  and  Exeter  have  signed  a  Paper  to  sidmiit  to  noth- 
Iny  hut  irhat  they  tJiemsehtes  .sJicdJ  Jiidg  to  he  Law  w'"*^  yet  I  can- 
not get  a  sight  of.  And  altlio  they  doe  by  their  Petitions  and 
their  Agents  giue  great  assurances  att  AVhitehall  of  their 
Loyalty  Duty  and  affections  to  His  Ma**  Person  and  Gover- 
ment,  the>  doe  at  the  same  tyme  here  beat  and  abuse  His 
Mat*  Justices  of  Peace  and  Marshalls  to  such  a  degi'ee  that 


160  EARLY    DUC'UMENTS 

they  aiv  afraid  to  execute  their  oftiee  and  for  that  reason 
seuerall  haiie  flung  up  their  Comissions.  I  haue  preuailed 
\v*'^  M'"  Robert  Wadleigh  wo  was  lately  before  yo''  Ldslii;**  to 
accept  of  a  Comission  for  the  Peace,  and  also  called  him 
into  the  Council  the  number  being  under  Seauen  he  hauing 
shewed  himselfe  since  his  returne  from  England  well  aft'ected 
to  His  Ma*^  Seruice  therefore  do  presume  to  recomend  him  to 
yo''  Ldslji'^  fauor. 

My  Lords  I  haue  troubled  yo''  Ldslii''*  eares  w'^  so  many 
complaints  of  this  kind  that  I  shall  forbear  mentioning  any 
other  perticulars. 

I  esteeme  it  the  greatest  happiness  that  euer  I  had  iu  my 
life  that  yo*"  Ldshi'1  haue  giueu  me  an  oppertunity  to  remoue 
fi"om  these  unreasonable  peijple,  and  the  rather  that  yo'" 
Ldshi?®  and  the  World  may  see  itt  is  those  things  injoyed  in 
His  Ma*'^  Comission  they  cauil  at,  and  not  my  Person,  and 
time  Avill  show  that  no  man  shall  be  acceptable  to  them  that 
putts  His  Ma*y  Comands  in  Execution. 

The  order  of  h'cence  for  my  remoue  coming  soe  late  that 
all  the  Shi])i)s  belonging  to  this  Piuer  that  use  the  West 
India  Trade  are  departed  hence,  but  I  hope  in  a  Short  time 
to  get  a  passage  from  Boston  for  Barbadoes  or  Jam aca,  where 
I  shall  be  read}'  to  receiue  yo*'  Ldshi'**  further  Comands,  but 
I  liumbly  beseech  yo'  Ldshi^''  not  to  order  my  return  to  these 
parts,  for  I  haue  neither  health  nor  those  happy  Alnlity's  to 
serue  His  Ma^^  here  soe  well  as  the  necessit}-  of  his  afiaires 
at  this  Juncture  of  tyme  doth  require,  all  w"^^''  is  most  humbley 
Submitted  to  yo''  Ldsh^?^  wisdome  and  goodness  to  dispose  of 
me  as  yo''  Ldshi^''  shall  think  fitt  I  am  in  all  humilty 

May  itt  please  Yo'  Ldshi'r 
Yo''  LdsliP''  Most  Obedient  Seruant 
Edw.  Cranfield. 

To  the  Lords  of  the  C/omittee  <fec. 

(Addressed)  To  the  Right  Hon^'.^r  the  Lords  of  the  Comit- 
tee  for  Trad  and  foreign  Plantacon  att  the  Councill  Chamber 
In  Whitehall. 

(Endorsed)  Rec'^  y'^  22  April  via  Rh^?  Islands  1685.  Read 
15  July  85. 


RELATING   TO   NEW   HAMPSHIRE.  IGl 

NEW  ENGLAND  PAPERS.     Vcl.  ^.5.     Page  293. 

(Abstract  only) 

Relatino  to  Boston  Castle  Island  <t  Chaklestoavn. 

All  Account  taken  of  Ordnance  Carridges  Ponder  and  other 
Anmnition  found  in  His  Ma*''.**  Teritorys  of  Xew  England 
December  Anno  Doin  1686. 

*  vf  *  *  *  *  vf  *  *  *  * 

Great  Island  alias  Portsmouth  in  Piscatuqua. 

ordnance. 
D  Oulyering         -         -         -         -         -         -       -i 

Saker         __-_---4: 
Minion         ..----.      2 

Chambers         ____--  1 

All  old  and  hony  Comb  Carridges  all  decayed. 

musketts. 

Firelocks          ______  2 

Match  Locks         -         -         -         -         -  -     2 

Rammers  &  Spunges         _         .         _         _  3 

Wadd  hookes         -         -         -         -         -  -    1 

Laddies         ___----l 

Hhott         -------  13  pound 

BaiTells  of  Ponder         -         _         -         .  1^ 
The  Platforme  &:  Fort  Decayed. 

(Endorsed)  N.  EDgland  1686.     Eec^^  18  May  87. 


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